The Committee for Justice (CFJ) welcomes the decision of the Egyptian Public Prosecution to release 28 individuals held in pretrial detention in connection with politically motivated cases, describing the step as a positive development toward addressing the longstanding issue of extended pretrial detention.
CFJ noted that the release of pretrial detainees underscores the importance of reviewing the situations of individuals held in connection with opinion and expression cases—particularly in light of growing human rights concerns regarding the expansion of pretrial detention, its impact on fair‑trial guarantees, and the presumption of innocence.
The Committee emphasized that freedom is the norm in criminal procedures, and that pretrial detention is an exceptional measure that should only be applied within the narrowest limits and in accordance with strict legal safeguards. Such safeguards are essential to maintaining a balance between the requirements of justice and the protection of constitutional rights and freedoms.
CFJ urged the continuation of systematic reviews of all individuals held in pretrial detention on political grounds and the release of those for whom no substantial evidence exists to justify their continued imprisonment. The Committee also called for strengthening alternatives to pretrial detention and ensuring that it is not used as a de facto punitive measure, in order to uphold the rule of law and guarantee constitutional rights.
