Amid continuous reports of grave human rights abuses within prisons, such as medical neglect, mistreatment, and the holding of detainees in cruel conditions, concerns are growing regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Egypt.
The detention of political activist Aya Kamal El-Din in Qanater Women’s Prison is a well-known illustration of these abuses, which go against Egypt’s commitments under international human rights treaties.
Aya Kamal El-Din’s defence team member and human rights attorney Nabeel El-Ganady complained to the Egyptian Attorney General, calling for an immediate inquiry into the abuses his client endured at Qanater Prison Hospital.
According to the complaint, Aya, who has advanced asthma, was referred to the hospital because her health was getting worse. However, the hospital’s management mistreated her and used severe violence against her, which made her physical and mental health worse.
Aya, who had previously pleaded for her life before the Cairo Criminal Court, acknowledged that she was being denied food and visits, as well as the medical care she needed while incarcerated. She was also being kept in solitary confinement, which made her health issues worse.
Serious concerns are raised by this incident regarding the degree to which Egyptian authorities adhere to international norms for the treatment of prisoners, especially Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which ensures that everyone who is deprived of their freedom receives humane treatment. The United Nations’ Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners also uphold inmates’ rights to appropriate, discrimination-free medical care.
A number of prisoners die each year as a result of medical neglect in Egyptian prisons, which is a form of mistreatment and occasionally torture. Since those who commit these violations are not held accountable, the situation could worsen and Egypt would face growing international criticism.
