Hoda Abdelmonem has been arbitrarily detained for six years, facing new charges after completing her previous sentence. Despite serious health issues, she faces ongoing legal battles, highlighting systemic abuses in Egypt’s judicial system. Human rights organizations are calling for her immediate release and for the dropping of these charges, while underscoring the broader repression within the country. Signatories to the campaign include various human rights organizations urging the immediate release of Hoda Abdelmonem and an end to the fabricated charges against her. Her case has gained attention in light of the ongoing deterioration of human rights conditions in Egypt, despite new partnerships with the EU.
Hoda Abdelmonem, a lawyer and human rights defender, continues to suffer in arbitrary detention after six years. Despite the end of her previous sentence, she faces new, unfounded charges in a case hailed as the “Egyptian Coordination for Rights and Freedoms.” This unjust continuation of her detention has drawn attention to the alarming state of human rights in Egypt. Her health is deteriorating, worsening her already serious medical conditions. Abdelmonem was initially arrested on November 1, 2018, held in a security facility for 21 days, and was subjected to enforced disappearance. Since then, her family and lawyers have encountered repeated restrictions on visitation. Despite her severe health issues, prison authorities disregard requests for her medical records, raising concerns over her well-being. Recent diagnoses include diabetes and complications from a heart attack. The Egyptian legal system’s rotation practice is violated, as it unlawfully prosecutes individuals again for previously adjudicated charges. Key legal principles state one cannot face trial for the same crime twice. The continuation of Abdelmonem’s detention, despite it being legally baseless, reflects broader judicial manipulation in Egypt. This situation aligns with the regional context of increasing repression of human rights defenders amidst new EU-Egypt partnerships marked by financial support. Human rights organizations call for her immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that the fabricated charges should be dropped. Additionally, they request an end to all punitive measures inflicted upon her, including being placed on terrorism watch lists, given her ongoing health struggles. Hoda Abdelmonem is highly respected and received the 2020 Human Rights Award for her long-standing commitment to human rights and legal practice.
The plight of Hoda Abdelmonem highlights significant issues surrounding arbitrary detention and the plight of human rights defenders in Egypt. After being imprisoned for years under fabricated charges, her situation underscores the flaws in the Egyptian legal system, particularly concerning human rights abuses and disregard for health and legal protocols. With international attention increasing, the situation calls for urgent action against such violations.
Hoda Abdelmonem’s six-year arbitrary detention serves as a grim reminder of the state of human rights in Egypt. The outrageous re-fabrication of charges against her and the unjust legal practices exemplify a broader pattern of repression. The demand for her immediate release and the cessation of charges reflects the urgent need for a reevaluation of the treatment of human rights defenders within the Egyptian legal system.
Original Source: menarights.org
