Egypt: Systematic abuses in the name of security
Egypt: Systematic abuses in the name of security
Index Number: MDE 12/001/2007Date Published: 11 April 2007
Categories: Egypt, Middle East And North Africa, North Africa
Torture and other ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detention, and grossly unfair trials before emergency and military courts have all been key features of Egypt's 40-year state of emergency and counter-terrorism campaign. The extensive powers granted to law enforcement officials have played a key role in facilitating such abuses, particularly torture. Emergency legislation has also severely restricted the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.