The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented a series of serious violations committed against detainees and their families during visitation procedures at the Old Wadi Al‑Natrun Prison, in practices that undermine human dignity and violate the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).
According to testimonies from detainees’ families, relatives are subjected to repeated mistreatment and verbal humiliation during security inspections. Authorities also impose arbitrary restrictions on food items allowed into the prison—often limiting families to only two or three basic items—while permitting only one type of medication, posing a direct threat to the health of detainees, especially those with chronic illnesses.
CFJ also documented a ban on the entry of winter clothing and blankets, forcing detainees to sleep on the floor in extremely cold conditions, which exposes them to severe health risks and reflects a blatant disregard for the most basic requirements of humane detention.
In contrast to these restrictions, most banned items are sold inside the prison canteen at inflated prices, far exceeding their real value—amounting to a harsh form of economic exploitation of detainees’ families, many of whom resort to borrowing money just to meet the minimum needs of their relatives inside prison.
The information gathered by CFJ further indicates an almost complete absence of medical care, as sick detainees receive no proper medical examination and lack access to effective treatment, raising serious concerns that ongoing medical neglect may lead to preventable complications or deaths.
With regard to visitation conditions, families report that visits rarely exceed 30 minutes, and are sometimes reduced to 15 minutes if relatives voice objections or ask questions—despite some families traveling distances of up to 12 hours without being allowed a humane opportunity to check on their loved ones.
CFJ calls for an immediate end to all forms of violations and mistreatment targeting detainees and their families, and for ensuring the unrestricted entry of food, clothing, and medications without arbitrary limitations. The committee further urges prison authorities to improve detention conditions in line with the Constitution, the law, and international standards; provide adequate and urgent medical care; and open a serious, independent investigation into these violations, ensuring accountability and the full respect of detainees’ dignity and fundamental rights.
