Key facts
- A new organization, the Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (Feda), has been launched in London.
- Feda aims to secure the release of political prisoners in Egypt.
- The group will liaise with international bodies and advocate for detainees' rights.
- Rights groups estimate over 60,000 prisoners of conscience are held in Egypt.
- Feda seeks to ensure fair trials and humane detention conditions.
A new organization, the Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (Feda), was launched in London on Thursday with the aim of advocating for the release of political prisoners in Egypt. The group plans to liaise with national and international institutions, leaders, and human rights organizations to bring attention to the issue and work towards securing fair trials and humane conditions for detainees.
Since 2013, following the military coup that deposed Mohamed Morsi, Egypt has seen a significant increase in political detentions. Rights groups estimate that over 60,000 prisoners of conscience, including more than 1,000 women, are held in Egyptian jails. Many are students, youth, and activists from various political backgrounds. Reports suggest that a substantial number of these political prisoners are held in pre-trial detention, and some have reportedly died due to medical neglect and poor prison conditions.
Feda stated its commitment to keeping the issue of detainees prominent in public discourse, advocating for them in international forums, and pursuing their release through all available means. The association intends to engage with the United Nations, pursue legal action for alleged violations, and organize solidarity events. While Egypt launched a national human rights strategy in 2021 that included provisions for humane treatment and potential reductions in prison numbers, Feda noted that families have yet to see its impact within the prisons.