As of today, renowned Egyptian activist Ahmed Hamdi El-Sayed Soliman, commonly known as ‘Jika’ (26), has been missing for 13 consecutive days. His disappearance has sparked growing concerns over the state’s frequent use of enforced disappearances.
Jika was last seen on June 13th when he reported for routine check-ins at the National Security office in Shubra Al-Kheima, Qalyubia Governorate. Since that day, he has been held incommunicado, with no indication of his whereabouts, and without any formal charges presented.
A known figure within the Egyptian activist community, Jika was previously arrested on multiple occasions due to his involvement in protests denouncing the transfer of Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia in 2016. He spent three months in jail when he couldn’t afford the 100,000 Egyptian pounds bail set by the State Security Prosecution.
In 2017, Jika was detained again during the sixth anniversary of the January revolution, alongside a group of young men. This time, he was imprisoned for over 17 months, three of which were in the illegal custody of the National Security.
Jika faced his third arrest and enforced disappearance in September 2021, following a routine check-in call from the National Security office. His detention then lasted for over a month, after which he reappeared to face charges in a new case.
Since his release, Jika was mandated to report periodically to the National Security office. He has refrained from political activism since then, focusing mainly on following football and supporting Al-Ahly Club.
Enforced disappearances are a serious violation of international law and an infringement on an individual’s right to life, liberty, and personal security. There is an immediate need to disclose the whereabouts of Jika, ensuring his safety, his right to legal defense, and a fair trial.
The ongoing cases of enforced disappearances in Egypt are raising serious concerns, necessitating the intervention of the international community and independent human rights organizations. These groups are urged to pressure the Egyptian government to reveal the fate of the missing individuals, prevent further enforced disappearances, ensure justice, and provide truth to the victims and their families.
