Egypt detains prisoners in severe conditions: Amnesty report

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Egyptian prisoners are facing human rights abuses in custody, according to a recent Amnesty report

Several prisoners in Egyptian prisons are subjected to torture and punishment at the hands of authorities, as per a recent report by Amnesty International. Titled “What do I care if you die?-Negligence and denial of health care in the Egyptian prisons,” Amnesty’s 74-page report documents how Egyptian prison officials are forcing prisoners held for political reasons to live in inhumane conditions, torturing them and denying basic healthcare. 

According to the report, the carelessness of the prison authorities has resulted in the death of several prisoners and irreparable damage to the health of others. Egyptian human rights groups have also warned of dire living conditions in the country’s overcrowded prisons. They have also reported that hundreds of inmates have died in custody in the past few years. 

Reportedly, the prison cells are unsanitary, poorly ventilated and lack basic sanitisation facilities such as access to toilets and water. Prisoners are provided unhealthy food which is severely affecting their health conditions. 

In the report, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Research and Advocacy Director Philip Luther said that Egyptian authorities are intimidating and torturing politicians, human rights activists, opposition leaders by denying them basic health care.

“There is evidence that the prison authorities target some prisoners to punish them for their perceived opposition to or criticism of the government,” the report said. 

During serious medical conditions, inmates are not allowed to contact their relatives as well. Prisoners are often subjected to self-harm and suicidal thoughts due to a lack of communication with their families. Inmates are grappling with a lack of mental health care in the prisons, as they are denied access to psychiatrists and psychologists. The report also concluded that women inmates have been facing sexual harassment by medical staff in the absence of gender-specific healthcare.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian government has been continuously rejecting reports of torture and unhealthy living conditions in the prisons. While Egyptian authorities have refused to reveal the total number of prisoners held in custody, UNHRC has estimated it at 114,000. Responding to the reports, the Interior Ministry also released a video of Cairo’s Torah prison last week showing prisoners being treated with high-class medical facilities, reading, and painting. 

Taking note of the crisis, Amnesty has called for urgent international attention to the deplorable conditions of the Egyptian prisoners in the country’s prisoners. To address the human right abuses in Egyptian prisons, the report has recommended to amend the country’s national laws to protect prisoners in accordance with international law.

About Monica Aggarwal

Embark on a journey of advocacy and enlightenment with Monica Aggarwal. Through her compassionate storytelling, Monica sheds light on the intricate tapestry of workers' rights, fostering awareness and understanding in our collective pursuit of a fair and just work environment.

Monica Aggarwal

Embark on a journey of advocacy and enlightenment with Monica Aggarwal. Through her compassionate storytelling, Monica sheds light on the intricate tapestry of workers' rights, fostering awareness and understanding in our collective pursuit of a fair and just work environment.

Recent Posts

New Exit Rule for Expats in Kuwait: Key Details Inside

Kuwait is implementing a significant policy change: expatriate private sector employees must now secure an official exit permit from their…

June 11, 2025

Ria Launches Digital Wallet for Unbanked Migrant Workers—Know the Benefits

Ria Money Transfer has launched its Ria Wallet app which aims to assist one of the most underserved populations of…

June 11, 2025

50 Years of Australia’s Racial Discrimination Act – What Does It Really Mean Today?

The 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 is one of the highlight events in Australia’s human rights history.…

June 11, 2025

Google Layoffs Ahead? Buyouts Offered to Employees—Know the Details

Reports indicate that Google is preparing to conduct another round of layoffs, this time voluntarily offering exit packages (buyouts) to…

June 11, 2025

The New Career Currency: Why Top Talent Now Demands Both Big Salaries AND Work-Life Balance

The labor market in India is modernizing the expectations for any employment where paychecks were a major consideration, workers now…

June 10, 2025

ITR Filing 2025: Is Landlord’s PAN Mandatory to Claim HRA?

For Assessment Year 2025-26, the Income Tax Department has broadened its disclosure requirements for salaried taxpayers who are claiming House…

June 10, 2025