An Egyptian court issued a 15 -year prison sentence against Dr. Mahmoud Shaaban, 49, on charges of joining the Free Army in Syria.
Shaaban had denied these accusations, saying “These are false charges. I stand against the beliefs of these groups, which shatter the nation.”
Mahmoud Shaaban travelled to Syria for 4 days as part of a relief campaign, carrying food and medicines for those in need in Syria. Before his return to Egypt, he announced that he had met with members of the Free Syrian Army, which was not then classified as a terrorist group by the Egyptian authorities.
In March 2022, Shaaban’s health deteriorated, requiring him to undergo a surgery in hospital, however, he was subject to medical negligence.
Due to his weak condition, Dr. Shaaban was carried by others to attend his court session for the renewal of his detention for further 45 days, while everyone hoped for his release to be treated by his family before his condition worsen.
On January 16, Dr. Mahmoud Shaaban was referred to the prison hospital after suffering severe back pain, before he was transferred to Al -Manial University Hospital, however his condition worsened, and he became bedridden.
Dr. Shaaban’s lawyer and family submitted many appeals to the Prison Authority and the Tora Prison Administration, requesting his transfer to Al -Azhar University hospital, given that he is a faculty member, or releasing him to allow the family to treat him.
On November 24, 2014, Dr. Mahmoud Shaaban was arrested for the first time after his meeting with the journalist Wael Al-Ibrashi, and was released in 2016.
On May 16, 2019, he was rearrested on charges of joining an outlawed group in 2014 in Al-Mansoura city. On September 27, 2021, the Egyptian Public Prosecution decided to release him, however, he was included in a new case.
