Key facts
- The Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (Feda) urged the Egyptian government to release political prisoners.
- The call comes on the 13th anniversary of the Rabaa massacre.
- Egyptian forces killed at least 900 protesters on August 14, 2013.
- Feda seeks the release of individuals imprisoned in connection with the Rabaa events and other political detainees.
- Rights groups estimate over 60,000 prisoners of conscience are held in Egyptian jails.
Thirteen years after Egyptian forces killed at least 900 pro-democracy protesters during the Rabaa massacre on August 14, 2013, the Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (Feda) has called for the release of political prisoners. The group, which represents families of detainees in Egypt, urged the government to release individuals imprisoned in connection with the Rabaa events and other political detainees as part of efforts toward national reconciliation.
Feda stated that those who participated in peaceful sit-ins were subsequently turned into defendants, with large numbers referred to trial in cases related to the Rabaa sit-in dispersal and the "Rabaa Operations Room." The organization is advocating for justice and the release of all political detainees.
Rights groups estimate that over 60,000 prisoners of conscience are currently held in Egyptian jails, including more than 1,000 women. Many, including former President Mohamed Morsi, have reportedly died due to inadequate medical care and inhumane prison conditions. Feda expressed hope that this anniversary will mark a turning point towards comprehensive national reconciliation and transitional justice, as outlined in Article 241 of the Egyptian Constitution, which mandates the enactment of a transitional justice law.
Feda aims to collaborate with domestic and international institutions to help secure the release of political detainees. Rights groups have long documented violations faced by Egyptian detainees, such as poor medical care, inadequate nutrition, denial of family visits, and overcrowded cells. In September 2021, Egypt launched a national human rights strategy that included provisions for prisoners' rights, humane treatment, and judicial oversight.