Eighth Egyptian Political Prisoner Dies Due to Medical Negligence

Nabil Farfour, a 65-year-old political prisoner in Egypt, died in prison due to suspected medical negligence, bringing the total number of political prisoners who died in similar circumstances to eight within two months. Farfour had not received necessary medication and worsened in health, ultimately suffering a stroke. Human rights groups are calling for an investigation and the release of other sick detainees, highlighting systematic neglect in Egyptian prisons.

Nabil Farfour, a 65-year-old Egyptian political prisoner, passed away in his cell due to suspected medical negligence. His death has been reported as the eighth such incident in the last two months, according to human rights organizations, including the Shehab Centre for Human Rights. Prior to his imprisonment, Farfour worked as an agricultural engineer in Beheira and was sentenced to five years in a military case.

The Shehab Centre confirmed that Farfour died on 27 February after his health severely declined while in custody. He had been arrested approximately two months earlier after leaving the mosque for prayers and was not allowed to bring necessary medication, which may have worsened his condition and led to a stroke.

Rights groups have characterized Farfour’s treatment as a form of “slow killing” due to intentional medical neglect and have called for a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of his death. Furthermore, they have urged the release of other ill detainees, citing similar patterns of negligence and abuse in Egyptian detention facilities.

Farfour’s death marks the third political prisoner reported dead in February alone, with groups documenting more than 50 deaths in prisons attributed to negligence and poor conditions in 2022. Numerous organizations have expressed concerns regarding the inhumane treatment of detainees and the lack of adequate healthcare.

Amnesty International has indicated that prison authorities have played a role in custodial deaths, further compromising the health of prisoners. This situation unfolds amidst ongoing protests advocating for the release of other activists like Alaa Abd al-Fattah, whose mother was recently hospitalized after a prolonged hunger strike.

In light of recent events, Human Rights Watch has called for the Egyptian government to provide full transparency regarding the number of individuals detained as part of a widespread crackdown on dissent. Amr Magdi, a senior researcher for the organization, stressed that the absence of transparent data inhibits civil society’s ability to evaluate the criminal justice system effectively.

Estimates from various organizations suggested that Egypt could be holding as many as 60,000 political prisoners since President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi assumed office in 2014. The alarming situation regarding human rights in Egyptian prisons remains a pressing concern for international observers and human rights advocates.

The tragic death of Nabil Farfour underscores the severe shortcomings in the treatment of political prisoners in Egypt, particularly regarding medical care. His case reflects a broader issue of systemic negligence that has reportedly claimed numerous lives in detention facilities. Continuous calls for investigations and reforms are imperative to address the urgent human rights violations occurring within the Egyptian penal system.

Original Source: www.newarab.com