Justice minister defends judiciary, pretrial detentions to EU rep

Justice Minister Mahfouz Saber claimed Egypt has no prisoners under administrative detention, and that all detainees are being held according to a prosecution order or judicial verdict, during a meeting with the European Union’s special convoy for human rights Stavros Lambrinidis on Tuesday.

Lambrinidis has held several meetings with ministers in Egypt during his current visit, which takes place two weeks ahead of Egypt’s periodic review by the Human Rights Council.

Lawyers and activists have criticized the prosecution for prolonged pretrial detentions, which have meant the incarceration of hundreds without formal charges or sentencing. 

There are also concerns the judiciary has been used to target opposition figures. Many of those famous for their role in the January 25 Revolution are currently behind bars, such as April 6 founder Ahmed Maher and activist Ahmed Douma. Many are also in prison on accusations of affiliation to the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

In a statement issued by the Justice Ministry following the meeting, Saber said that he responded to a request from Lambrinidis to revise the detention under trial policy in Egypt, by saying it is an internal affair and is not open to interference from outside bodies. He added that 600 of those detained pending trial were recently released by the prosecution.

Saber also responded to queries about the state of Egypt’s prisons, saying that the National Council for Human Rights conducts periodic visits and that the prisons comply with international standards.

Saber also addressed the mass death sentences issued by Egyptian courts that have caused international speculation. He said the death sentence is determined by law, just like in many Western nations, and that there are very few cases in which a final death sentence has been handed down.

On Tuesday, a military court sentenced seven people to death for executing an armed attack on a bus transporting soldiers, killing a sergeant.

Lambrinidis reported on his official Twitter account that he also met with the Egyptian foreign affairs minister to discuss human rights and freedom of association on Tuesday, and is meeting with the ministers of social solidarity and transitional justice on Wednesday to discuss the importance of free space for civil society.