Amnesty International has urged Egyptian authorities to stop reprisals against hunger-striking prisoners at the 10th of Ramadan Prison, where inmates are protesting against arbitrary detention and inhumane conditions. Mahmoud Shalaby criticized the lack of oversight in prisons. The prisoners face severe restrictions, including denial of sunlight and outdoor exercise. Hossam Bahgat, a human rights defender, faces charges for advocating for prisoner rights.
Amnesty International has urged Egyptian authorities to halt their reprisals against hunger-striking prisoners at the 10th of Ramadan Prison. These detainees have initiated the hunger strike to protest against their arbitrary detention and to demand an end to the inhumane conditions they face.
Mahmoud Shalaby, an Egypt Researcher at Amnesty International, criticized the Egyptian authorities for punishing prisoners instead of addressing their inhumane treatment. He stated that inmates continue to suffer even in newly constructed facilities, as prison authorities operate without proper oversight.
The organization noted that prisoners in the 10th of Ramadan Prison are denied sunlight and outdoor exercise, violating the Mandela Rules, which stipulate access to daily exercise. Inmates are confined for 23 hours daily, with just one hour allowed for exercise in a corridor.
The hunger strike began in January among political detainees protesting long-term pretrial detainment and inadequate living conditions. These detainees had previously appealed to Egypt’s Public Prosecutor for an inspection of the prison to address their grievances. Unfortunately, their requests were ignored by the relevant judicial authorities during pretrial sessions.
On January 12, 2025, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) issued a statement regarding the prison’s conditions. Following this, Hossam Bahgat, EIPR’s executive director, faced charges of “spreading false news” and “aiding and funding a terrorist group,” prompting significant concern regarding human rights in Egypt. He was interrogated by the Supreme State Security Prosecution without any notice of the charges against him.
Human Rights Watch has called for the dismissal of the terrorism-related charges against Bahgat, highlighting the need to safeguard human rights defenders in Egypt.
In summary, Amnesty International has called for the cessation of retaliatory actions against hunger-striking prisoners in Egypt’s 10th of Ramadan Prison, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of detainees. The organization highlights severe human rights abuses, including prolonged confinement and denial of sunlight and exercise. Additionally, the situation surrounding Hossam Bahgat underscores the growing concerns regarding the safety and rights of human rights defenders in Egypt.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
