Civil Society in Egypt.. October  2025 Political Parties, Syndicates and Human Rights

Section One: Political Parties

Introduction:

This month, security agencies were preoccupied with designing the “Unified National List” and distributing parliamentary seats among pro-government parties and their allies, amid accusations of using political money to dominate the party scene. The National Election Authority also excluded several opposition candidates for unlawful reasons, prompting some parties, most notably the Popular Socialist Alliance, to withdraw.

According to sources, the Homeland Future Party secured the largest share with 124 seats, followed by Homeland Protectors Party with 50 seats, National Front Party with 28 seats, and Republican People’s Party with 10 seats.

Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan):

With backing from security agencies and after securing the largest number of seats in the yet-to-be-held elections, the party devoted itself to charitable activities—such as housing victims of Nile land flooding and donating to the One-Day Surgery Hospital in Nasr City.

• Oct 8: The party instructed all its individual candidates across governorates to use the pen symbol as a unified electoral emblem for the 2025 parliamentary elections.
• Oct 9: The party praised Egypt’s success in brokering a Gaza ceasefire during the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit.
• Oct 10: Seven members and leaders from Aswan resigned following the announcement of the party candidates’ list.
• Oct 18: The parliamentary bloc nominated Counselor Essam El-Din Farid as Speaker of the 2025 Senate.

Homeland Protectors Party (Humat el Watan):

Despite winning about 50 parliamentary seats, the party faced internal resignations in protest over the Unified National List:

• Oct 4: Mass resignations from the Fayoum (Sinnurus & Sanhour) secretariat.
• Oct 8: Collective resignation of the Waraq branch in protest against nominating candidates from outside the party.
• Oct 13: Major General Hisham Bishr, Secretary-General in Minya, resigned over disagreements regarding candidate selection.
• Oct 20: Sami El-Badawi, Secretary of Hawamdiya, and all local members submitted joint resignations “for reasons we cannot allow.”

National Front Party (Al Gabha Al Wataneyya):

The party inaugurated a new branch in Matrouh, opened a headquarters in Alexandria, and fielded 45 parliamentary candidates while guaranteeing winning 28 seats.

• Oct 23: Salah Shawky Abu Aqil, Secretary of Sohag, resigned in protest against the candidate lists.

The Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen):

The party’s October activities included supporting the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement, denying electoral rumors, holding political and training events, and reducing its candidates to only 13. It also expressed solidarity with Qatar and demanded the release of writer Hany Sobhy.

• Oct 9: Welcomed the Sharm El-Sheikh peace deal as “a historic step ending two years of Israeli genocide in Gaza.”
• Oct 10: Denied claims about its candidate Islam Kortam joining the Unified List led by Homeland’s Future Party.
• Oct 13: The Training and Education Secretariat, in collaboration with the Rural Women’s Initiative, held an important interactive training for party youth focusing on discrimination and hate speech.
• Oct 19: On October 19, the Party’s Central Operations Room announced the final number of party candidates for the 2025 House of Representatives elections. The party is competing with 13 candidates in 13 constituencies across seven governorates.
• Oct 23: Called for the release of writer Hany Sobhy, saying the detention of opinion-holders worsens social tensions.

The Constitution Party (Al Dostour):

The party focused on defending detained members and contesting candidate exclusions while continuing its Free Road Coalition alliance.

• Oct 5: The coalition approved its electoral platform and launched a fundraising campaign.
• Oct 15: Al-Dostour nominated 12 candidates through the coalition.
• Oct 17: Condemned the exclusion of Dr. Ahmed El-Sherbiny, a senior party leader in Daqahleyya governorate and Veterinarians Syndicate Council member.
• Oct 20: Submitted a petition to the President for the release of Dr. Islam Abdel Latif, member of the party in Itay El Baroud.
• Oct 21: The Supreme Administrative Court postponed the party’s appeal against the Political Parties Committee to Nov 15.

The Egyptian Social Democratic Party:

In October, the party advocated for Palestine, defended the constitution, and opposed legal amendments restricting defense rights and disqualifying candidates for the House Of Representatives elections.

• Oct 6: The party MP Maha Abdel Nasser submitted a briefing request to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities regarding the disappearance of an ancient tablet from the Khenti Ka tomb in the Saqqara archaeological area in Giza Governorate.
• Oct 8: Many of the party’s candidates for the house of representatives filed nominations across governorates.
• Oct 20: Expressed concern over the exclusion of Haitham El-Hariri (Moharram Bek district) and Ahmed El-Sherbiny (Belqas district).

The Popular Socialist Alliance Party:

The party rejected “plans to liquidate the Palestinian cause” and condemned the exclusion of its candidates, later withdrawing entirely from elections after court rulings upheld the disqualifications and organized a symposium on citizenship and political participation..

• Oct 17: The Giza secretariat denounced the disqualification of Haitham El-Hariri and Mohamed Abdel Halim, calling it an infringement on citizens’ constitutional rights to political participation، And after being denied legal protection by the Supreme Administrative Court’s upholding of the party’s disqualification of candidates, the party announced its complete withdrawal from the elections..

Hope Current Party (Tayyar Al Amal – under establishment):

The party rejected the Trump Gaza’s Plan, supported Palestinian resistance, welcomed the Gaza ceasefire, and condemned the exclusion of opposition figures from the upcoming house of representatives elections.

• Oct 13: Welcomed the Gaza peace deal signed in Sharm El-Sheikh, welcomed the return of the Palestinian prisoners and demanded the release of all of the rest prisoners.
• Oct 19: Denounced the exclusion of opposition leaders from the upcoming house of representatives elections , including Eng. Haitham El-Hariri member of the political bureau of the Popular Socialist Alliance Party.

The Bread and Freedom Party (Under Formation):

The party mourned deceased leaders, announced its parliamentary program, and rejected amendments to the Criminal Procedures Law and considered it unconstitutional.

• Oct 18: Held a press conference to announce candidates and program for the house of representatives elections.
• Oct 20: Signed a joint statement rejecting the procedural law amendments considering it unconstitutional.

The Dignity Party (Al-Karama):

Focused on supporting Palestinian resistance and organized a conference demanding the release of political detainees.

The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:

The movement expressed solidarity with victims of accidents, defended excluded candidates from parliamentary elections , and opposed fuel price increase.

• Oct 15: Supported AUC students’ protest against hosting former U.S. ambassador at Israel Daniel Kurtzer.
• Oct 18: Issued a statement rejecting fuel price hikes and called for unity with the workers, the poor and the oppressed to end poverty and tyranny saying “this is the path to defeating the poverty and hunger that are now rampant in Egypt, and to overthrowing the tyrannical regime that perpetuates them.

Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions

Professional Unions:

The Journalists’ Syndicate:

• Journalists, administrators, and employees at Al-Wafd newspaper and its website received a salary increase of no less than 3,000 Egyptian pounds (63 USD), implementing the agreement signed with management after a four-day sit-in at the party headquarters demanding enforcement of the minimum wage.
• Temporary journalists working in state-owned newspapers announced the suspension of their symbolic sit-in inside the syndicate headquarters, following the intervention of Khaled El-Balshy, the syndicate head, who requested time for the syndicate to negotiate with the officials responsible for the issue.
• Dozens of journalists and activists organized a protest on the steps of the Journalists Syndicate, condemning the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, coinciding with the second anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

The Lawyers’ Syndicate:

• In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the syndicate organized free medical examinations for its members, including necessary tests and scans for early detection throughout October.
• The Committee on Freedoms at the General Syndicate of Lawyers, under the supervision of Abdel Halim Allam (the syndicate head and president of the Lawyers’ Union), announced the opening of membership applications for those wishing to participate in the committee’s activities, aimed at defending public freedoms and promoting human rights principles.

Medical Doctors Syndicate:

• The syndicate warned against the expansion of medical schools and the lowering of admission standards.
  Osama Abdel Hay, the syndicate head, emphasized that opening new medical faculties without essential infrastructures, especially university hospitals for clinical training, is a grave mistake that threatens the quality of medical education and negatively affects the reputation of Egyptian medicine.
• The General Council of the Doctors Syndicate, chaired by Dr. Osama Abdel Hay, held a meeting to restructure its executive bureau and elect new committee heads, following the midterm elections held on October 10.

The Veterinarians’ Syndicate:

• On World Animal Day (October 4), the General Syndicate of Veterinarians called for spreading a culture of compassion and peaceful coexistence with animals.
  The syndicate affirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives concerned with sheltering and caring for animals, and to reporting any cases of abuse or poor health conditions.
• Dr. Magdy Hassan, the syndicate head, announced the completion of a comprehensive draft to amend Law No. 48 of 1969, explaining that the current legislation has become incapable of keeping pace with the professional, economic, and social realities faced by veterinarians today.

The General Syndicate of Physiotherapy:

The General Syndicate of Physical Therapy, led by Dr. Sami Saad, issued an official statement rejecting the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport’s announcement to open a new physical therapy college in New Alamein City and appoint a dean for it without a sufficient labor market study.

Engineers’ Syndicate:

• The syndicate head affirmed that the new regulations represent an integrated system governing the practice of engineering in Egypt and providing a framework that both protects engineers’ rights and defines their duties, while serving as a tool to improve professional performance and ensure quality. He emphasized that the new bylaws strike a balance between preserving the profession’s principles and meeting modern demands.

The Syndicate of Applied Technicians:

Members of the syndicate called on Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Industry and administrative supervisor of the syndicate, to form an interim council to manage its affairs until new elections are held, in accordance with Article 107 of the Syndicate Law, after the current council’s term expired in March 2025.

The Dental Syndicate:

• The General Syndicate of Dentists issued a statement explaining that the shortage of dental anesthesia results mainly from three factors:
  (1) the decline in local production,
  (2) the defection of one production line at the National Pharmaceutical Company, and
  (3) the suspension of imports due to the global rise in anesthesia prices.
• Over 110,000 dentists sent an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Ministers of Health and Finance, demanding a review of the decision to cancel the mandatory government placement (takleef) for the 2023 graduates of dental faculties.
  They described the retroactive application of this decision as unjust and a violation of the principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

Part Two: Labor Unions

Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF)

• Abdel Moneim El-Gamal, President of the Federation, called for amending the Trade Unions Law, explaining that it contains several articles that require redrafting and deeper legal review, while others should be completely abolished.
• He stated that the law was passed somewhat hastily, and emphasized that monitoring the implementation of the new Labor Law, once its executive regulations are issued, is a top priority for the Federation to ensure that workers can fully exercise their rights and duties within a regulated and safe work environment.

Textile Workers

• The Port Said Labor Court (First Circuit) reserved Case No. 68/2025 (Labor), filed by worker and unionist Mahmoud Youssef against Saba Ready-Made Garments Company, which had dismissed him for defending workers’ rights, for judgment on October 30, 2025.
• The management of El-Shorbagy Spinning and Weaving Company ignored complaints filed against it and refused to cooperate with the Labor Directorate, despite being officially summoned in relation to violations against members of the company’s union committee. The directorate confirmed that it is now referring the case to court after the company deliberately refused to attend or comply with legal procedures.
• The Alexandria Health Insurance Authority suspended medical and treatment services for 1,200 workers at Arabeyaand Bollivara Spinning and Weaving Companies, including those with chronic diseases who receive monthly medication and cancer patients deprived of chemotherapy sessions.
  The suspension came after the companies failed to pay insurance contributions, accumulating debts exceeding 158 million Egyptian pounds (3,300 million USD) owed to the National Social Insurance Authority.

Child Labor

• On the morning of Thursday, October 2, 2025, a pickup truck overturned on the Western Desert Road near the entrance to El-Atamnah village, Manfalut district (Assiut governorate). The vehicle was carrying children returning from agricultural work, resulting in the death of three children and injuries to six others. This incident reflects a recurring pattern of similar accidents that highlight the negligence in enforcing occupational safety and health standards for child laborers.

Domestic Workers

• Mohamed Gebran, Minister of Labor, chaired a meeting of the legislative committee responsible for drafting the Domestic Workers Bill, attended by representatives from several ministries and relevant agencies. During the meeting, Nashwa Belal, expert at the International Labour Organization (ILO), presented a detailed overview of Convention No. 189 on Domestic Workers, one of the key international instruments for protecting the social and professional rights of this vulnerable category of workers.

Construction and Wood Workers

• A group of workers from Mffco Helwan Furniture Company gathered in front of the company’s Labor Office in Helwan to file complaints against the employer, Nabil Rifaat Abdel Hakim, for failing to apply the minimum wage set by the new Labor Law No. 14 of 2025.
• Ceramica Innova Company (formerly Pharaohs) in the Koum Oshim Industrial Zone, Fayoum Governorate, forced its workers to end a four-day strike demanding the implementation of the 7,000 EGP (146 USD) minimum wage . The company resumed production using dozens of temporary workers and called back female workers who had been on forced leave since the beginning of the year.

The General Union of Private Sector Workers

• The President of the General Union of Private Sector Workers called for an urgent meeting of the National Wages Council to discuss the effects of rising prices and to raise the minimum wage to at least 9,000 EGP (188 USD), in line with the current cost of living. This call was made in accordance with Article (102) of Labor Law No. 14 of 2025, which mandates setting the minimum wage for all workers nationwide, taking into account workers’ needs, their families, and changing living costs.

Ministry of Labor

• Minister of Labor Mohamed Gabran announced the ministry’s plan to launch “systematic and intensive inspection campaigns” starting December 1, to ensure that all institutions comply with the labor law and apply the latest minimum wage increase. The move comes in response to several complaints received by the ministry.
• The Minister of Labor also approved the disbursement of 2,990,000 EGP (62,780 USD) to provide healthcare, social support, and accident compensation for 272 irregular workers across 23 governorates, from the central fund for protecting and supporting informal labor.

The Committee for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms

• The Trade Union Rights and Freedoms Committee discussed recent ministerial decisions related to the implementation of the new labor law, as well as updates on the labor union data renewal process. Participants — including representatives of civil society organizations, political parties, and trade union leaders — emphasized the need for serious preparation for next year’s union elections, ensuring independent and free representation of workers, free from administrative interference or guardianship.
• The committee agreed to launch a broad awareness campaign in cooperation with civil society organizations and labor offices within political parties to explain the provisions of the new labor law. The campaign will include training workshops, educational lectures at major workplaces, and simplified materials in Q&A format explaining minimum wage regulations, union formation requirements, labor dispute resolution mechanisms, and rights of informal workers.
• Union and party labor representatives also discussed the latest developments regarding the Administrative Court’s ruling to cancel the requirement for a union membership certificate for drivers when obtaining professional licenses. The attendees noted that although the ruling was issued in June 2024, it has yet to be implemented, despite being final and legally binding.

Section Three: Human Rights Movements and Institutions

Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Institutions

The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR):

• On October 9, 2025, the Council organized a workshop titled “Promoting Responsible Business Conduct: Towards a Business Environment that Supports Development and Human Rights.”
• On October 14, the Council held a policy dialogue titled “Quotas and Women’s Empowerment in Egypt: Practices That Have Yet to Bear Fruit,” attended by public figures and members of civil society.
• On October 19, the Council held a consultative meeting to discuss a policy paper prepared by the Senior Researcher at the Library of Alexandria, titled “Influential Voices in Promoting the Culture of Human Rights.”

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR):

• On October 5, 2025, EIPR released a report titled “Eye on debt: A Review of the Fourth IMF Program with Egypt.”
• On October 13, EIPR called on the Public Prosecution to drop the Borg Meghaizel fishermen’s case and release the remaining detainees in the “Dignity Revolution and Support for Palestine” case.
• On October 14, EIPR condemned the security crackdown targeting non-religious individuals, atheists, and people with diverse religious views.
• On October 15, EIPR issued a statement regarding the President’s postponement of ratifying the Criminal Procedures Draft Law, returning it to Parliament due to objections to certain articles — particularly those allowing remote trials, described as among the most dangerous provisions requiring revision to ensure fairer guarantees for defendants and their lawyers.
• On October 19, EIPR submitted an urgent request to the National Council for Human Rights to intervene and save the life of translator Marwa Arafa, whose health condition has deteriorated while detained in the 10th of Ramadan Reform and Rehabilitation Center “Facility 4” in Case No. 570/2020, Supreme State Security Prosecution.
• On October 22, EIPR reposted its August statement urging the Ministry of Interior and Public Prosecution to stop prosecuting online content creators, who face vague charges with moral and class undertones, such as “violating Egyptian family values.”

The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF):

• On October 5, ECRF launched the first session of its “Right and Knowledge” cultural salon, titled “The Universal Periodic Review Between the International Mechanism and the Real Improvement of Human Rights Conditions.”
• On October 6, ECRF published a report titled “A Review of Egypt’s Political Party System and Its Features After the 2011 Revolution: Between Constitutional Text and Legislative Constraints.”
• On October 12, ECRF released a report documenting death penalty rulings in Egypt: between 2023 and 2024, 963 death sentences were issued, and in the first half of 2025 alone, 342 sentences were recorded.
• On October 15, ECRF launched a campaign titled “An Imprisoned Mind and an Invaluable Voice,” in defense and solidarity with Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk, an economist and thinker representing a painful image of injustice — where a free mind is punished for thinking and a conscience is prosecuted for speaking the truth.

The Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS):

• On October 1, 2025, CTUWS announced that the crisis of El-Shorbagy Textile Company workers had escalated after the administration ignored workers’ complaints and refused to cooperate with the Labor Directorate regarding violations against the company’s union committee members.
• CTUWS also held a workshop on “The Minimum Wage and the Challenges of Implementation”, considering it one of the key issues directly linked to living standards and social justice.
• On October 3, CTUWS organized the second session (Legislative Focus) of its Union and Labor Leadership Training Program, with participation from union leaders representing various trade unions.
• On October 7, CTUWS discussed recent ministerial decisions related to the new labor law and updates on the union data renewal process.
• On October 12, the Labor School Alumni Club held its fourth meeting to discuss climate change, attended by graduates of the Union Leadership Training Program from the Telecom Egypt, Ambulance, and other unions.
• On October 19, CTUWS held a training course in Port Said on social insurance and the new labor law, attended by 15 participants.
• On October 23, CTUWS published a video as part of the “Know Your Right” campaign, addressing job security and the level of protection offered by the new law to workers.

The New Woman Foundation:

Throughout the month, the foundation organized various meetings and activities, including:

• A legal paper on redefining justice philosophy on human rights and gender bases after the return of the Criminal Procedures Law.
• A legal paper titled “The Right to Stay: The Right to Housing from a Feminist Perspective”, under the old rental law.
• A workshop on “Exchanging Experiences on Protection Policies Against Violence in the World of Work.”
• A roundtable titled “Purifying Society: Between Moral Regulation and the Economics of the Internet.”
• A research paper on the invisible economic contribution of women in Egypt through paid and unpaid work.
• A corporate social responsibility workshop within the project “Enhancing the Role of Unions and NGOs in Implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda from a Gender Perspective.”
• A statement condemning the Public Prosecution’s rhetoric in the “Suzy Al-Ordonia Case”, which adopted a moralistic and paternal tone toward women’s behavior and freedom.
• A consultation session on the term “Obedience Warning”, despite a Constitutional Court ruling prohibiting forcing wives to return to the marital home.

Masar – Community for Technology and Law

During the month, Masar published several research and legal papers, including:

• “From Global Data Corridors to Control Gateways: A Reading of Egypt’s Digital Infrastructure.”
• “Governance of Emerging Technologies: Legal Challenges and Alternative Pathways.”

Center for Egyptian Women LegalAssistance (CEWLA):

The center conducted various meetings and activities, including:

• A training course for female lawyers on digital safety mechanisms and legal protection frameworks.
• A seminar on digital safety and legal protection mechanisms, held in cooperation with Bayt al-Sinnari, hosted by the Library of Alexandria.
• A discussion session titled “Criminal Procedures Law Between Endorsement and Amendment.”
• An interactive theater performance titled “My Right to Know,” creatively addressing reproductive health and sexual education.
• A digital safety awareness session at Bayt al-Sinnari on reporting mechanisms in cases of digital violence against women and girls.
• A conference titled “Reforming Personal Status Laws in Light of Egypt’s Vision 2030.”
• Five awareness sessions in Bahariya Oasis on sickle cell anemia, female genital mutilation, violence against women, and challenges of adolescence.

Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR):

• On September 30, 2025, ECESR published key information about the new labor law to raise workers’ awareness.
• On October 8, ECESR filed a new administrative lawsuit (Case No. 1958/80Q) demanding the suspension and cancellation of the government’s failure to take legal measures to protect the Giza Pyramids archaeological area and heritage zone.
• On October 23, ECESR announced its readiness to provide full legal support for patients at Hermel Hospital, and to register and receive related complaints in the coming period.

Joint Human Rights Activities:

• On October 15, 2025, several human rights organizations condemned the unfair verdict issued on October 2 by the Shorouk Misdemeanor Court against the economist Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk, sentencing him to five years in prison after a trial that violated the constitution and the law, on charges of spreading false news.
• On October 18, human rights organizations issued a joint statement regarding the amendments to the Criminal Procedures Law, stating:
  “Since the law was returned to the House of Representatives, we have taken it upon ourselves to participate in this historic national mission, out of our constitutional and national duty to express opinions that serve national interests, and out of our professional duty as human rights defenders, lawyers, and academics specializing in human rights and criminal justice. For this reason, we met around a discussion table to critically analyze and review this draft law.”
• On October 21, 21 civil society associations and organizations sounded the alarm to confront cyber violence as a new weapon used against women during election campaigns.

Violations and Harassment:

Detention Renewals

• On October 5, 2025, the Supreme State Security Prosecution decided to extend the detention of urban researcher Ismail Al-Iskandarani for 15 days, pending Case No. 6469/2025 (State Security).
• On October 7, the same prosecution ordered the renewed detention of journalist Safaa Al-Korbeigi for 15 days, pending Case No. 7256/2025 (Supreme State Security).
• On October 8, the First Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court renewed the detention of Mrs. Marwa Sami Abu Zeid Abdo for 45 days, pending Case No. 7887/2024 (Supreme State Security).
• On October 20, the Second Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court held at Badr Prison Complex ordered the detention of labor leader Shady Mohamed and five others for 45 days, pending Case No. 1644/2024 (Supreme State Security), known in the media as the “Banner in Support of Palestine” case.

Judicial Rulings:

• On October 2, 2025, the Shorouk Misdemeanor Court sentenced economic researcher Dr. Abdel Khaleq Farouk to five years in prison for allegedly spreading false news in Case No. 4527/2025 (Shorouk Misdemeanor).
• On October 22, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) obtained an acquittal from the Alexandria Criminal Court for its client Abdullah Osama Abdel Aal in the case known in the media as the “Dekheila Massacre.”

Trials:

• On October 7, the Port Said Primary Court – Labor Division postponed hearing Labor Case No. 214/2025 (Full Labor), filed by trade unionist Mahmoud Youssef against Saba Ready-Made Garments Company, to October 16 for referral to the labor court.
• On October 16, the court decided to reserve the case for judgment to be announced on October 30.

Legal Victories

• On September 29, 2025, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the release of political activist Ahmed Douma on bail of 50,000 EGP, in a case accusing him of spreading false news and statements domestically and abroad, pending Case No. 7071/2025 (Supreme State Security).
• On October 14, the State Security Prosecution ordered the release of police officer Amin Abdel Gawad Mohamed Abdel Gawad on guarantee of residence, in the case known as “Support for Palestine”, Case No. 717/2024 (State Security).
• On October 15, the Public Prosecution ordered the release of three young activists from the Egyptian Flotilla of Steadfastness campaign on bail of 1,000 EGP each, pending Case No. 7478/2025 (State Security).