The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the death of political detainee Atta Youssef Abdel‑Latif Mohamed, a physics professor at Assiut University, at the age of 70, following a severe deterioration in his health resulting from medical negligence inside his place of detention at Badr Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (Badr 3).
According to information verified by CFJ, Youssef had been suffering from chronic heart conditions that required regular medical follow‑up and continuous treatment. However, the prison administration failed to provide him with the necessary healthcare in a timely manner. He was only transferred to Qasr Al‑Ainy Hospital at a very late stage, where he passed away on Friday, 26 December, due to the rapid deterioration of his condition.
His family reported that they were notified of his death afterwards, received his body, and buried him in the family cemetery amid shock and anger—especially given their repeated appeals throughout his detention for expedited access to medication and essential treatment, none of which received meaningful response.
The circumstances of his detention date back to 8 August 2022, when security forces arrested him despite his critical health condition and urgent need for continuous medical care. Since then, he remained held in Badr 3 under what were described as harsh conditions that directly contributed to the decline of his health.
CFJ holds the relevant authorities fully responsible for the death of political detainee Dr. Atta Youssef, considering the incident a grave violation of the right to life and part of a broader pattern of medical neglect inside detention facilities.
The committee calls for an urgent and independent investigation into the circumstances of his death, accountability for those responsible for medical negligence, and the guarantee that all political detainees receive adequate healthcare in accordance with the Egyptian Constitution and relevant international standards.