Press Release
Ahmed Mefreh, the Executive Director of the “Committee for Justice,” delivered a speech on the sidelines of the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, during the third session dedicated to the state of human rights. He highlighted the increasingly worsening human rights situation in Egypt.
– Ongoing political repression:
Mefreh emphasized that political repression in Egypt continues unabated, with authorities arresting thousands of activists, journalists, and individuals who express their opinions peacefully. These individuals are often detained for extended periods without a fair trial, as authorities use anti-terrorism laws to silence opposition, frequently labeling those who speak out against the government as “terrorists” or “enemies of the state.”
– Harsh detention conditions:
The Executive Director also touched on the harsh conditions inside Egyptian prisons, citing overcrowding and a lack of healthcare, which has led to the deaths of some political prisoners due to neglect. He stressed that prisons witness repeated instances of torture and ill-treatment, and solitary confinement is widely used to isolate prisoners for long periods.
– Restrictions on freedom of expression:
Mefreh further pointed out the severe restrictions on freedom of expression in Egypt. The government has shut down independent media outlets, and journalists face arrests and threats. Additionally, social media is monitored, and individuals are arrested for what they post online. Peaceful protests and gatherings are either violently suppressed or completely banned.
– Widespread enforced disappearances:
Mefreh explained that enforced disappearances remain widespread in Egypt, with individuals being abducted by security forces without their families knowing their whereabouts or health status. These individuals are often subjected to torture and prolonged detention without trial.
– Ongoing attacks on civil society:
In concluding his speech, the Executive Director of the “Committee for Justice” highlighted the continued attacks on civil society and human rights organizations. These organizations are being shut down, and their staff face arrests, travel bans, or harassment. He also noted the growing transnational repression by Egyptian authorities against activists abroad, further reinforcing a climate of fear and intimidation even outside the country. Mefreh concluded by urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to take concrete steps to ensure that Egypt respects the rights of its citizens, noting that the lives and freedoms of thousands depend on it.
– Continued Egyptian denials:
In response, the Egyptian delegation reiterated—without offering tangible evidence—that there are no political detainees in Egypt! The spokesperson for the delegation stated: “We do not imprison anyone; there are no political prisoners. Only after a legal and transparent trial by the court is anyone imprisoned, and this is based on facts and transparency, in line with Egypt’s international and regional commitments.”
The spokesperson added that Egypt believes “that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. Thus, the principle of presumption of innocence is applied in Egypt, and all trials are conducted transparently. The Egyptian state is also working to improve laws, enable prisoners to have access to lawyers, receive visits from their families, and provide medical care to those in need.”
The Egyptian delegation’s spokesperson emphasized that “Egypt is committed to fulfilling all its national, regional, and international obligations, including the African Charter and all regional protocols issued by international organizations. The Egyptian state strives to respect all human rights and uphold the rights of women, the elderly, and children.”
