Nabil Farfour, a 65-year-old Egyptian political prisoner, died due to purported medical negligence, marking the eighth political prisoner fatality in two months. His health deteriorated in prison after being denied medication, leading to a stroke. Human rights organizations have condemned this negligence and are demanding investigations and the release of other sick detainees, highlighting systemic issues in Egypt’s prison conditions.
An Egyptian political prisoner, 65-year-old Nabil Farfour, reportedly died in his prison cell as a consequence of alleged medical negligence. His death was confirmed by the Shehab Centre for Human Rights on Saturday, marking the eighth political prisoner fatality in the past two months. Prior to his imprisonment, Farfour, who had worked as an agricultural engineer in Beheira, had been sentenced to five years in prison by the Alexandria Military in case number 257.
Farfour’s health declined significantly during his incarceration, leading to a stroke and eventual death on February 27. He was detained around two months prior after being stopped by security forces while leaving the mosque following midday prayers. Reports indicate that his request for necessary medication while in custody was denied, exacerbating his health issues.
The Shehab Centre described his treatment as a “slow killing due to deliberate medical negligence” and has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Furthermore, the organization is urging the release of other detainees suffering from health problems. His death marks the third reported case of a political prisoner dying in Egyptian detention since February.
Human rights organizations have raised alarm over the conditions in Egyptian prisons, which have reportedly contributed to over 50 deaths last year due to inadequate medical care. Amnesty International specifically condemned prison authorities for failing to provide adequate healthcare, leading to avoidable fatalities.
In related news, Laila Soueif, the mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abd al-Fattah, was hospitalized after a 130-day hunger strike protesting her son’s detention. Additionally, a coalition of 25 organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, recently appealed to the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, for Abd al-Fattah’s release.
Human Rights Watch has also emphasized the need for transparency regarding the number of detained individuals in Egypt amidst a severe crackdown on dissent. They argue that the lack of clear data hampers efforts to assess the penal system’s effectiveness and monitor prison conditions.
It is estimated that Egypt has been detaining approximately 60,000 political prisoners since President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi took office, according to human rights groups. These developments underscore ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Egypt’s penal system and the associated human rights violations.
In summation, Nabil Farfour’s death exemplifies the dire medical conditions facing political prisoners in Egypt, raising profound concerns over the treatment and rights of detainees. His case calls for urgent investigations and broader reforms, as multiple organizations continue to advocate for the humane treatment of political prisoners and transparency regarding the population in custody.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
