Anti-torture T-shirt detainee rearrested in same case 7 years after release

Mahmoud Hussein, known for his prolonged detention linked to wearing an anti-torture T-shirt, was arrested on Wednesday in the same case he was granted release for seven years ago, lawyer Khaled Ali said.

The high-profile former detainee was arrested as he was making his way into Cairo, with authorities informing him that he was being taken into custody in connection with a ruling handed down in the same case as his original detention order, according to Ali.

Hussein was taken to the October Gardens Police Station, located in an upscale housing complex in 6th of October City, and then moved to the Ayyat Police Station in Giza, where his family and lawyers lost contact with him.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, police raided Hussein’s home in Obour City.

Ali expressed concern for Hussein’s wellbeing, given that he continues to suffer from the psychological effects of his previous time in detention.

Hussein was arrested in 2014 on the third anniversary of the January 2011 Revolution while wearing a T-shirt bearing the words “A nation without torture” and a scarf with “Jan 25” printed across. The then-19-year-old was detained at the notorious Tora prison complex for over two years, during which he suffered health problems. He was released in March 2016.