(EOHR/IFEX) – EOHR is expressing deep concern and apprehension with respect to the condition of its secretary-general, Hafez Abu-Seada. Although more than seventy hours have passed since charges were brought against him and he was placed in preventive detention, the organisation has not received any clear information about him or whether health and safety conditions […]
(EOHR/IFEX) – EOHR is expressing deep concern and apprehension with respect
to the condition of its secretary-general, Hafez Abu-Seada. Although more
than seventy hours have passed since charges were brought against him and he
was placed in preventive detention, the organisation has not received any
clear information about him or whether health and safety conditions
guaranteed by law are being respected.
The EOHR’s concerns are further accentuated by the news that Seada may be
held in Al-Ihtyat Prison, which is known to be one of the worst prisons in
Egypt where prisoners face inhuman treatment and are exposed to physical
injury.
The EOHR has made sincere efforts to obtain a visit permit that would
disperse its fears and apprehension, but all efforts have been in vain. In
addition, although his wife expected to obtain a visit permit from the
public prosecution, she was unable to do so under various excuses.
In light of the above, the EOHR has growing doubts concerning Seada’s
safety. His situation resembles the well-known case of Abdel Harith Madani.
The EOHR asserts that its secretary-general was arrested in full physical
and psychological health. Therefore, it lays all responsibility for any
injury or harm caused to his physical safety on the competent authorities,
particularly the security forces. The EOHR calls for the application of
legal provisions concerning preventive detention, the first of which is to
allow visits by the family and defence lawyers to remove any suspicions that
information about his condition is being withheld.
The EOHR urges all democratic forces and civil society institutions to
intensify their efforts for the prompt release of its secretary-general.
