Torture of Mohamed Soltan confirmed by recent pictures

Pictures have emerged of hunger striker Mohamed Soltan, a graduate of Ohio State University and US citizen, who has been in Cairo’s Tora Prison since August 2013 and on hunger strike since January 2014. Soltan was arrested during demonstrations in support of the ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

The photos depict him lying on a bed with blood coming out of his mouth and purple bruises on his body. Many who have shared the photographs on social media say the photograph was taken today, but his family say they cannot be certain of the exact date. They believe his condition may be even worse given the consistent torture he is subject to.

They have released the following statement:

“Reports of increased physical and psychological torture of Mohamed have been confirmed by the release of the images below. We are petrified with the thought of what condition Mohamed is currently in and we continue to call on all human rights organizations and the U.S. Government to do whatever it takes to secure his immediate release. The family has been pleading with Mohamed to break his strike due to his dire condition, the increased torture tactics being used against him, and the suicide attempt narrative being pushed by the authorities. Mohamed has been refusing to break it. However, he has recently agreed to begin taking in a sufficient amount of liquids, including milk and honey.

Mohamed has suffered tremendously at the hands of his captors. We pray he can keep his mental and physical strength.  We ask that you do the same.”