FEDA calls on Egypt authorities to reveal the fate of those forcibly disappeared

On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, which is observed on 30th August, the Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (FEDA) have called upon the Egyptian authorities provide information about the fate of their family members who have been disappeared. 

A press statement by the group says dozens of Egyptian families are continuing to search for relatives who were arrested or went missing years ago—”in some cases as long as thirteen years—without their families being able to determine their fate or whereabouts.”

The affected families have never stopped searching for their loved ones in police stations, detention facilities, prisons, hospitals and forensic medicine facilities, but their efforts have so far proved fruitless. The relevant authorities have also failed to provide them with any information that might offer reassurance about the fate of their relatives.

The FEDA statement read; “On this occasion, we remember some of the longest-standing cases of enforced disappearance, dating back to the dispersal of the Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in on 14 August 2013. They include the case of Amr Ibrahim Metwally, whose father was also arrested by the authorities in connection with his persistent efforts to find his son. We also remember former Member of Parliament and former Justice Party leader Dr Mostafa Al-Naggar, whose fate and whereabouts remain unknown.

OPINION: Bloodshed grips Egypt

More recent cases include young people from Generation Z, as well as politician Mahmoud Fathy, head of the Virtue Party, who was abducted in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, amid concerns that he may have been handed over to the Egyptian authorities.”

The statement added,; “We also renew our call for the release of all political detainees, including those subjected to enforced disappearance, those imprisoned under court judgments and those held pursuant to prosecution orders, so that this dark chapter may finally be brought to a close.

Under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, enforced disappearance constitutes a direct assault on human dignity and the rule of law. It undermines public confidence in justice institutions and spreads fear throughout society.”

FEDA said protection from enforced disappearance is neither a political demand nor a privilege granted by those in power. It is, instead, a legal obligation and a fundamental human right. “Silence prolongs the crime, while establishing the truth, holding those responsible accountable, and providing redress to victims and their families constitute the first step towards justice”.

READ: After 25 years, Egypt reintroduces Muhammad al-Durra to school history curriculum