NCJ Number
146022
Date Published
Unknown
Length
171 pages
Annotation
This report, the first by a human rights organization about Egyptian prison conditions, is based on a 1992 inspection of six prisons that house approximately 9,800 inmates.
Abstract
Five of the six prisons are located just outside the Cairo metropolitan area; the sixth is situated in Tanta, a city 55 miles northwest of the capital. Egyptian prison authorities allowed the inspectors to interview prisoners, although many inmates were not eager to participate. Information was also obtained from prison officials. Inspectors found that the right of prisoners to humane treatment is set forth in Egyptian law and that inmates have the right to complain about mistreatment and other grievances. Nonetheless, inmates did not receive written notice of prison rules and regulations upon arrival at the institution. Punishment cells were in appalling physical condition; they had no toilet or running water, had no mattresses, and were dirty and poorly lit. Random inspections revealed that punishment cells were used for unauthorized purposes and to hold inmates beyond the legal limit of confinement. Although no evidence was found that torture was used systematically in Egyptian prisons, inspectors saw several torture victims in two prisons. Prison officials appeared to impose particularly harsh living conditions on sentenced security prisoners and security detainees held without charge. Some of the most vulnerable inmates were foreign prisoners from other African countries. The most serious complaints about medical care involved the denial of medical attention to inmates who required treatment or who had been recommended for specialized care at outside hospitals. Overcrowding was a major problem in all six prisons, and living conditions were inadequate with respect to sanitary facilities, water, light, ventilation, sleeping accommodations, and food. Prison authorities were generally in compliance with international standards mandating that inmates have contact with outsiders at regular intervals. Also in accordance with international standards, female inmates were segregated from male inmates and were allowed to bring infant children with them to prison. An overview of Egypt's prison system, prison procedures, prison discipline, living conditions, medical services and facilities, work programs, and death row conditions is presented. Recommendations to improve the prison system are offered. Petitions from security detainees on a hunger strike at one prison are appended. Footnotes