The family of former Egyptian Minister of Local Development, Dr. Mohamed Ali Bishr, has been denied visitation since 2018. The family announced that he suffered a brain stroke, after which he was transferred to a hospital outside the prison for surgery.
The family shared a statement saying, “We received news from several sources that Dr. Mohamed Ali Bishr had a stroke while detained in the Scorpion Prison, which required his transfer to the hospital for surgery. We tried to receive information about his health via legal and personal sources, but unfortunately we couldn’t as we have been denied visitation since 2018, and there is no communication between him and lawyers,” adding, “We believe that he deserves justice by all lawful means to preserve his life and health.”
The statement continued, “Therefore, we submitted a request to the National Council for Human Rights to help him enjoy all his legal rights and be released on health grounds. We also requested that his name be included on the presidential pardon lists prepared by public and human rights figures in order to save his life.”
The family added, “Dr. Bishr has a long political and charitable role in the history of Egypt, and he should receive a humane treatment worthy of his history, status, age and health conditions“.
The family concluded, “We are wishing for his return to his home soon to complete his treatment, be reunited with his family, and see his grandchildren, many of whom were born after his imprisonment.”
Bishr’s family stressed that his health condition has significantly deteriorated during his detention, amid denial of access to his medicines and clothes.
The Egyptian authorities arrested Dr. Mohamed Ali Bishr in November 2014, 17 months after the military coup took place in Egypt, and charged him with espionage with America and Norway.
