Egypt issues official statement after rumours of Muslim Brotherhood leader’s death in prison

An Egyptian security source has denied claims circulated on social media by accounts linked to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, which alleged that one of the group’s senior leaders had died in prison due to a serious decline in his health.

Media outlets affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood reported on Tuesday that Khairat El-Shater, the deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is designated as a terrorist organisation in Egypt, had died in prison as a result of poor detention conditions.

In response, the Egyptian security source said, in a statement published by the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday, that the individuals named are in good health and are receiving full medical care, in line with that provided to other inmates.

The source added that all correctional and rehabilitation centres are equipped with full healthcare and living facilities for detainees, in accordance with the highest international human rights standards.

He also said that such rumours are part of the group’s ongoing attempts to spread false information and stir up confusion, with the aim of seeking special treatment for its members inside correctional facilities outside the legal framework.

READ: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood rejects US decision labelling it a “terrorist” group