Rights Groups Criticize Increasing Arrests in Egypt and Call for Release of Detainees

Rights Groups Criticize Increasing Arrests in Egypt and Call for Release of Detainees
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Human rights organizations in Egypt have raised concerns over a series of arrests targeting citizens over religious beliefs, social media activity and political expression, calling on authorities to release detainees and respect public freedoms.

The criticism follows the detention of 19 people affiliated with the Shia community, including journalist Haidar Qandil, who were ordered by the Supreme State Security Prosecution to remain in custody for 15 days pending investigations in Case No. 5653 of 2026. Authorities reportedly charged them with accusations including joining and financing a terrorist group. Rights groups said the detainees were subjected to enforced disappearance for several weeks before appearing before prosecutors and accused authorities of questioning them about their religious beliefs, which they described as a violation of freedom of religion.

The Egyptian Front for Human Rights and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights called for the immediate release of the detainees and an end to prosecutions based on religious affiliation. The groups warned against continued restrictions on Shia citizens, particularly during religious commemorations such as Ashura, and criticized the use of counterterrorism laws against individuals based on their beliefs.

Separately, the Shihab Center for Human Rights expressed concern over the case known as the “Generation Z” case, saying that 55 people had been detained and arrest warrants issued for 80 others over allegations related to online activity and calls for peaceful protests. The center called for investigations into claims of enforced disappearance and torture and demanded the release of those detained over peaceful expression of their views.

In another case, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the detention of Dr. Mohamed Zahran, a founding member of the Egyptian Democratic Front Party, for 15 days pending investigation into allegations of publishing false news and statements. The case is linked to social media posts and his call for a meeting of teachers to discuss implementing court rulings related to teachers’ union elections.

The Egyptian Democratic Front Party criticized Zahran’s continued detention, saying pretrial detention should remain an exceptional measure. The party called for his release, an end to what it described as restrictions on political and trade union activity, and greater protection of constitutional rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile, the Cairo Appeals Misdemeanor Court upheld a one-year prison sentence with labor against political activist Ahmed Douma in a case related to allegations of spreading false news. The ruling followed his re-arrest in April after publishing an article addressing prison conditions in Egypt.