The undersigned human rights organisations express their deep concern regarding the ongoing situation at Al-Wadi Al-Jadid Prison in Egypt, also known as the 'Death Prison', in light of the open-ended hunger strike launched by dozens of detainees in Ward 4. The strike is in protest at inhumane detention conditions and treatment amounting to collective psychological and physical torture.
In recent days, we have received reports and testimonies confirming the following:
- Deprivation of detainees from adequate water, food and basic healthcare;
- Cells stripped of all personal belongings, including hygiene items;
- A complete ban on family and lawyer visits, in clear violation of the Egyptian Constitution and international law;
- Arbitrary and punitive transfers to solitary disciplinary cells without referral to prosecution or any legal justification;
Ongoing medical neglect and abuse endangering the lives of detainees. The legal basis for these violations is unclear.
These practices violate Article 55 of the Egyptian Constitution, which states that 'Anyone who is arrested, detained, or whose freedom is restricted shall be treated in a manner that preserves their dignity.'
These practices also clearly breach Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states that 'All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity'.
Furthermore, these practices contravene the Nelson Mandela Rules (the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners) and the Convention Against Torture, which Egypt ratified in 1986. This convention obliges Egypt to prevent all forms of torture and ill-treatment in prisons and detention centres.
Accordingly, we call for the following:
- An urgent and independent investigation into detention conditions in Al-Wadi Al-Jadid Prison;
Authorisation for a delegation of international and local human rights organisations to visit and inspect the conditions of the detainees;
- Immediate access to medical care for hunger-striking detainees;
- Accountability for those responsible for these violations under both Egyptian and international law;
- Guarantees to end collective punishments and psychological and physical torture inside Egyptian prisons;
The immediate release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained or convicted in unfair trials, in accordance with international legal standards.
Signatory organisations:
Sawt Hor Organization for the Defence of Human Rights – Paris
JHR – Justice for Human Rights Foundation
El-Shehab Centre for Human Rights, London
Association of Victims of Torture – Geneva
Human Rights Solidarity
AFD International
Alkarama Foundation, Geneva
Human Rights Monitor, London
Cedar for Human Rights, Lebanon:
Tawasol for Human Rights, The Hague
Council for the Rights of Egyptians, Geneva
Arab Observatory for Media Freedom
Najda Foundation