UN Rapporteurs Demand Explanations from Egypt Regarding Continued Detention of Palestine Solidarity Activists

A group of United Nations human rights rapporteurs expressed their strong condemnation of the continued detention by Egyptian authorities of citizens who participated in pro-Palestine events. Human rights sources confirmed that these condemnations came after widespread violations were monitored against peaceful demonstrators since the outbreak of the wave of protests in 2023.

A team of experts from the international organization sent an official communication to the Egyptian government, recently revealed, expressing deep concern over the fate of dozens who were arrested during the October 2023 demonstrations. The experts warned against using anti-terrorism legislation and public order laws as a tool to undermine the right to peaceful expression and civic participation.

Six of the most prominent mandate holders under the UN's Special Procedures signed this communication, including the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 also participated in the signing.

UN reports revealed that the arrest campaign targeted at least 88 people, with 67 of them placed in prolonged pre-trial detention without a fair trial. Sources indicated that a number of these detainees were subjected to enforced disappearance for several days before appearing before judicial investigation bodies.

The detained group faces stereotypical charges including joining a terrorist group and participating in illegal gatherings, charges that human rights bodies reject and consider a means to suppress solidarity. The experts stressed that these practices violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a signatory party.

The UN letter highlighted specific cases, including that of citizens Mohamed Selim and Omar Ghazi, who were arrested in Alexandria on October 20, 2023. The report stated that the two young men were subjected to enforced disappearance for two days before being presented to the Supreme State Security Prosecution, which decided to detain them in connection with Case No. 2469.

The signatories of the letter expressed serious concerns about the denial of communication between detainees and their lawyers or families, which weakens the guarantees of a fair trial. They also pointed out that the policy of prolonged pre-trial detention has become used as a pre-emptive punishment against activists and those in solidarity with national causes.

The report touched upon the tragic conditions inside the 10th of Ramadan Prison, where detainees suffer from severe overcrowding in cells and a severe lack of ventilation. The experts affirmed that the poor healthcare provided to prisoners poses a direct threat to their physical and psychological safety under the imposed restrictions.

UN bodies considered that the current detention conditions may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, which contradicts the minimum international standards for the treatment of prisoners. They demanded the necessity of conducting transparent investigations into allegations of ill-treatment and enforced disappearance suffered by solidarity activists.

In a related context, the United Nations called on the Egyptian government to provide detailed explanations about the legal basis for the continued pre-trial detention of these citizens. It called for a comprehensive review of the compatibility of local laws with the international obligations undertaken by the Egyptian state in global forums.

The rapporteurs stressed that expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people is an inherent right that should not lead to imprisonment or security prosecution. They clarified that vague formulations in anti-terrorism laws open the door to arbitrary interpretations targeting civil society work and peaceful activism.

Sources also noted that targeting pro-Palestine demonstrators sends a negative message about the scope of freedoms available in the country. They affirmed that the international community is closely monitoring how the authorities deal with the issue of prisoners of conscience who have not committed any acts of violence.

The experts concluded their letter by emphasizing the necessity of the immediate release of all detainees whose detention has been proven to be based on the exercise of their legitimate rights. They affirmed that the continuation of these policies weakens the credibility of official pledges regarding human rights reform and opening up the public sphere.

These UN moves come at a time when international pressure on Cairo is increasing to improve its human rights record, especially concerning pre-trial detention. Human rights circles await an official response from the Egyptian authorities to these questions and documented accusations in the latest UN letter.

Criminalizing the expression of solidarity or participation in peaceful protests by leveling terrorist charges violates the internationally stipulated principles of legality and necessity.