The Committee for Justice (CFJ) welcomes the decision of the Supreme State Security Prosecution to release 31 political detainees who had been held in pretrial detention in connection with several politically motivated cases. Among those released is cassation lawyer Osama Al‑Sheshtawy. CFJ considers this step a positive development that partially responds to longstanding calls to end the crisis of prolonged pretrial detention.
According to CFJ’s documentation, the release order included detainees held in connection with different cases, following varying periods of pretrial detention. The step highlights the importance of regular review of detainees’ situations and the need to prevent pretrial detention from becoming a de facto extended punishment.
CFJ stated that this measure represents a constructive development that should be built upon, especially amid persistent human rights demands to release individuals held in pretrial detention over opinion‑ and expression‑related charges and to ensure respect for legal safeguards related to personal liberty.
The Committee for Justice calls for completing this step by releasing the remaining political detainees and conducting a comprehensive review of all individuals held in pretrial detention. CFJ also urges an end to the excessive use of pretrial detention and stresses the need to ensure it is not used as a substitute for punishment, in a way that upholds the rule of law and protects fundamental rights and freedoms.
