Press release
Geneva – February 18, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has shed light on yet another incident within Egypt’s detention facilities, reporting the sixth death of 2024. This time, the victim is Ahmed Mukasa Nsanga, a 30-year-old Ugandan student at Al-Azhar University. Nsanga was arrested on December 27, 2023, due to the absence of a valid residence visa and detained at the First Settlement Police Station in New Cairo.
On January 5, 2024, Nsanga’s family received a letter from the Ugandan embassy in Cairo confirming his death while in Egyptian police custody. His remains were repatriated and laid to rest in his home country on January 23. The family, awaiting an autopsy report detailing the circumstances of Nsanga’s death, calls for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and prevent impunity.
CFJ stands in solidarity with Nsanga’s family, emphasizing the urgent need for a swift and comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth surrounding his untimely demise. The committee advocates for accountability, demanding the identification and appropriate punishment of those found responsible for Nsanga’s death.
Furthermore, CFJ urges Egyptian authorities to enhance the conditions within their detention facilities and prisons. The committee emphasizes the importance of respecting international and UN agreements safeguarding the rights of individuals deprived of their liberty. The call for improved conditions and adherence to international standards is integral to preventing similar tragedies.
This recent death evokes memories of the tragic case of Italian student and researcher Giulio Regeni, whose life was cut short in Egypt in 2016. Regeni’s death raised international concerns amid allegations of torture after his arrest. The echoes of such incidents underscore the need for thorough investigations, accountability, and reform within Egypt’s law enforcement and detention systems.
With the death toll reaching six in 2024, as monitored by CFJ, concerns heighten over the safety and well-being of individuals in Egyptian prisons. The latest fatality of Abdullah Al-Desawi Saleh, a 66-year-old political detainee, emphasizes the urgency for systemic reforms and increased scrutiny.
CFJ continues to provide documented information on deaths in custody through its Justice Monitoring Archive, containing details on over 14,000 victims and 30,000 violations. The committee’s commitment to monitoring violations inside more than 500 detention facilities in Egypt remains steadfast.