On August 30, the Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (FEDA) marked the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances by urging Egyptian authorities to disclose the whereabouts of relatives who have been missing, in some cases for up to thirteen years. Many families have searched for their loved ones in various facilities, but have received no information from authorities. FEDA highlighted long-standing cases, such as that of Amr Ibrahim Metwally and former MP Dr. Mostafa Al-Naggar, whose fates remain unknown. The organization also pointed to recent abductions, including those of younger individuals and politicians like Mahmoud Fathy. FEDA reiterated calls for the release of all political detainees and emphasized that protection against enforced disappearances is a fundamental human right and a legal obligation for authorities.
Why It Matters
Enforced disappearances have been a significant issue in Egypt, particularly since the 2013 dispersal of the Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in, which led to widespread arrests and human rights violations. The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance underscores that such acts undermine public trust in justice systems and violate human dignity. FEDA’s advocacy reflects a broader concern about the lack of accountability for state actions and the ongoing struggle of families seeking information about their missing relatives. The persistence of enforced disappearances highlights the ongoing human rights challenges in Egypt, where many political detainees remain unaccounted for.
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