Egyptian criminal courts have renewed the detention of 173 individuals who took part in demonstrations on 20 October 2023, held in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in protest against Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The demonstrations, which occurred across multiple governorates, were reportedly met with forceful dispersal by security forces, followed by widespread arrests. Participants were advocating for an end to violence in Gaza and expressing solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict.
The detainees’ pre-trial detention was extended for an additional 45 days without the introduction of new evidence or further investigative procedures. Defence teams have described the renewal decisions as largely procedural, raising serious concerns regarding compliance with international standards of due process and the right to a fair trial.
Among those detained are a significant number of university students, whose prolonged detention threatens their academic progress and future professional opportunities. The authorities have filed charges across 27 separate cases, including accusations of “joining a terrorist organisation”, “incitement to protest through social media”, “participation in an unauthorised gathering exceeding five persons”, “committing a terrorist act”, “intentional damage to public and private property”, and “vandalism”. The sweeping nature of these charges raises fears of their use to unduly restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms.
International human rights law, including obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, protects the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and participation in public life. Arresting and detaining individuals for exercising these rights contravenes Egypt’s obligations under international law.
Reports further indicate that detainees have not consistently been provided with necessary medical care while in custody, highlighting additional concerns regarding the treatment of those deprived of their liberty and the safeguarding of their fundamental rights.
