Section One: Egyptian Political Parties
Introduction:
The month of October witnessed heated events on the regional level, starting with Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and the targeting of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, followed by the assassination of Yehya Al-Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political bureau.
On the domestic level, the government issued several decisions, including an increase in fuel prices, which led to a rise in food prices. Socially, multiple incidents resulted in loss of life and injuries to citizens, the latest being a bus accident involving university students on the Galala Road.
Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan):
October began with the appointment of MP Ahmed Abdel Gawad, a former National Security officer, as a deputy for the “Homeland Future” Party, raising questions about the relationship between security and politics in Egypt, especially with a former officer leading a party that consistently supports government decisions.
As usual, the party’s activities were limited to charitable or financial aid on occasion, including financial assistance in Fayoum, a medical convoy in Qalyubia, and an event honoring the heroes of the October War.
Homeland Protectors Party (Humat El Watan):
This month, the “Homeland Protectors Party” focused on development issues such as education and digitization, and began establishing new regional offices, including seven new party units in Sohag centers of Al-Balina and Akhmim.
The party also decided to provide aid to the families of the deceased and the injured from the Minya train collision accident. In Port Said, the party launched the initiative “Digital Literacy… Egypt’s Vision 2030,” aimed at educating citizens, especially youth, on the importance of digitization and the digital transformation targeted by the state.
The People Republican Party (El Shaab El Gomhoury):
The activities of the “People’s Party” were numerous this month, mostly charitable and service-oriented, such as an initiative to sell products and food items at low prices affordable for low-income citizens in Dakahlia and Assiut.
Additionally, the party organized a celebration for the International Day of the Deaf and Mute, as well as an educational seminar on carbon footprints and the green environment at the party’s central headquarters in New Cairo.
The Justice Party (El Adl):
The Justice Party issued several official statements this month, in which it criticized certain government decisions and stances. These include the corruption issues in the transportation sector that led to deadly accidents, and, in another case, the capital gains tax.
The Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen):
The Conservative Party focused on regional events, primarily the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the continued attacks on Gaza.
The party also organized a seminar on “Supporting Employees Dismissed Under Law 73 of 2021.” Additionally, in a statement, it expressed deep sorrow and regret over the tragic Minya train accident and mourned the passing of martyr Yahya Al-Sinwar, one of the most prominent figures in the Palestinian liberation resistance.
Egyptian Social Democratic Party:
After the party’s internal crisis ended, it resumed its parliamentary activities. MP Samira Al-Jazzar submitted a briefing request addressing the neglect in the healthcare sector and the increase in kidney failure cases compared to global rates.
Additionally, along with other parties, the party issued a statement of solidarity with Dr. Laila Soueif, the mother of writer and political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, who is on a hunger strike to protest her son’s continued imprisonment despite having completed his five-year sentence.
On October 5, MP Samira Al-Jazzar, a member of parliament from the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, submitted a briefing request regarding the closure of Al-Azhar Park and the plans to demolish it for commercial projects, which would sacrifice its rare plants.
The party’s parliamentary body also organized a workshop titled “Cash Support or In-Kind Support?” with the participation of several experts and specialists.
On October 19, Engineer Ihab Mansour, head of the parliamentary body of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party and deputy head of the Labor Committee in the House of Representatives, issued an urgent statement criticizing the recent fuel price increase. He described the government as a “government of poverty,” saying it had impoverished the people and continued to produce a series of failures.
The Constitution Party (Al Dostour Party):
This month, the party’s internal disputes reached the courts following Decision No. 87 of 2024 issued by the Political Parties Committee, which dismissed several notifications submitted by the party and declared the position of party leader vacant until the party’s general conference convenes.
One of the competing factions extended its condolences to the victims of the Minya train accident and also mourned the martyr Yahya Al-Sinwar.
Bread and Freedom Party (under establishment):
This month, the party focused on issues concerning prisoners of conscience and detainees in solidarity with Palestine, while also highlighting education issues and the events in Gaza.
The party signed a petition in support of Dr. Laila Soueif, who began a hunger strike on Monday, September 30, protesting the continued imprisonment of her son, writer, programmer, and political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, despite the completion of his five-year sentence.
The party also organized a discussion seminar on the importance of education and the stages of educational development in the context of the digital and technological race.
Additionally, the party issued a statement condemning sexual abuse and rape in Israeli prisons, describing them as tools of war in the hands of the Zionist occupation.
Popular Socialist Alliance Party:
The headquarters of the Popular Alliance Party in downtown Cairo was besieged by dozens of officers, personnel, and thugs who surrounded the building from the outside, forcing attendees of a seminar on solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon to leave individually.
The party called for accountability for those responsible for the recurring train accidents and the lack of oversight, particularly in light of the recent Zagazig train incident. It also extended condolences to the families of the student victims of the Galala Road accident in Suez.
El Karama (Dignity) Party:
The party’s activities in October focused on the attacks against the Palestinian people and the escalating events in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut and the southern suburbs.
The Karama Party mourned the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, who was assassinated by Israeli airstrikes, and also expressed condolences for the Palestinian martyr Yahya Al-Sinwar.
On October 20, the party’s education committee organized a seminar titled “A Year After the Al-Aqsa Flood: Between Resistance and Occupation,” featuring political analyst and researcher at the Al-Ahram Center for Political Studies, Ahmed Kamel El-Beheiry, as the speaker.
The Current of Hope Party (Tayyar Al-Amal) “under establishment”:
The activities of the Hope Current Party this month varied between blogging about critical issues, such as corruption in Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector and solidarity with prisoners of conscience, and focusing on regional events, including condemning the ongoing attacks on Gaza and the assassinations of Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Al-Sinwar.
The party also issued a report addressing recent drug shortages and highlighting corruption in the sector through the spread of counterfeit drugs in the market.
Additionally, the party released a statement supporting Dr. Laila Soueif in her hunger strike.
It extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic Minya train accident, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to many citizens.
The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:
This month, the movement offered insights and analyses on various issues, such as the October War, the one-year anniversary of the assault on Gaza, and the condemnation of the assassinations of Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Al-Sinwar.
The movement also expressed its welcome for the release of three young women and one young man who had been detained for their participation in a solidarity vigil for Palestine and Lebanon.
Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions in Egypt
Professional Unions:
The Journalists’ Syndicate
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Journalists’ Syndicate organized an open meeting with Khan Polukhov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Cairo, discussing the strong relations between Cairo and Baku.
The Journalists’ Syndicate also mourned Palestinian leader Yahya Al-Sinwar, head of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, who was martyred resisting the Israeli occupation of Gaza.
The Syndicate’s Cultural and Artistic Committee affirmed its opposition to any attempts to demolish the Floating Theater, expressing its support for this longstanding cultural and artistic landmark.
The Syndicate Council decided to activate Article 12 of the Syndicate Law to open applications for the affiliate members’ roster and to form a committee to draft enrollment regulations. These regulations aim to provide a professional umbrella for genuine practitioners and protect the syndicate and the profession from impersonators.
The Egyptian Engineers Syndicate:
The Engineering Consultancy Committee of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association held a meeting with the Engineers Syndicate President, Tarek Al-Nabarawy, to discuss the challenges facing the engineering consultancy profession and ways to support its competitiveness internationally, as well as the Syndicate’s role in supporting the state’s vision to promote locally-made building materials and engineering equipment.
Engineer Tarek Al-Nabarawy, President of the Engineers Syndicate, and Consultant Engineer Mohamed Abu Saada, Head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony, discussed enhancing cooperation between the Syndicate and the organization. They also explored mechanisms for training young engineers on restoring historical, heritage, and archaeological buildings.
The Egyptian Doctors Syndicate:
The General Syndicate of Doctors held an emergency meeting with the councils of branch syndicates to address the issue of legal settlements concerning clinics and their reclassification from residential to administrative. The meeting aimed to consult on the necessary steps to resolve this crisis.
The Doctors Syndicate President pointed out that, according to Law No. 153 of 2004 on healthcare facilities, which states, “A medical facility may not operate without a license from the relevant governor after being registered with the relevant medical syndicate,” all clinics have been registered with the Doctors Syndicate and licensed by the Free Treatment Administration, the body representing the governorate in clinic licensing. There has never been a requirement for clinics to provide proof of conversion from residential to administrative or commercial use.
The Teachers Syndicate:
Khalaf Al-Zanati, the President of the Teachers Syndicate and the Arab Teachers Union, called for granting the Teachers Syndicate the authority to license teaching professionals. Al-Zanati explained that the Teachers Syndicate has long advocated for a professional license to practice teaching, and that the responsible body for issuing this license should be the Teachers Syndicate, similar to other professional syndicates. He emphasized that the licensing aims to select the best teachers to ensure the provision of competent educators.
The Social Workers Syndicate
Dr. Abdel Hamid Zaid, the General Secretary of the Social Workers Syndicate, called for the urgent preparation of a new law to regulate social professions to protect society from improper practices.
In press statements, he explained that the law governing the Syndicate of Social Professions was established in 1972, and since then, the profession has undergone significant development in professional practices. Consequently, there are now many specializations within the syndicate that require legal regulation.
The General Nursing Syndicate:
The Nursing Syndicate has prepared a law for the practice of nursing and is currently working with the Ministry of Health to review and discuss its provisions.
Dr. Kawthar Mahmoud, the President of the Nursing Syndicate, a member of the Senate, and Deputy President of the Arab Board, emphasized that the migration of healthcare professionals will not cease; however, it should be effectively harnessed, stressing the importance of establishing a unified policy at the level of Arab countries to retain these competencies.
The Tourist Guides Syndicate:
The General Syndicate of Tourist Guides announced that, based on a meeting with the Tax Authority, important points regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT) were agreed upon. The Tax Authority is currently drafting the executive provisions to prepare for its implementation.
The Syndicate of Artists:
The Syndicate of Artists organized a festival to support and encourage young talents in acting and theater, running from October 9 to 20. This year, 25 theatrical performances competed for the festival’s awards, compared to ten as previously planned.
Ashraf Zaki, the head of the Performing Professions Syndicate, announced a new contract for a new location for the Syndicate’s theater in Alexandria.
The Judges Club:
The President of the State Council Judges Club refused to hand over the club’s premises to a joint committee between the National Service Projects Organization of the Armed Forces and the Nile Protection Authority of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. This refusal was made to prevent the demolition of the club and to oppose the committee’s decision to take over the land, as stated in an official report.
The Cairo University Staff Club:
The Board of Directors of the Cairo University Staff Club, located on the Nile Corniche in Manial, sent letters to the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Ayman Ashour, the President of Cairo University, Dr. Mohamed Sami, the Office of the Presidency, and the Military Land Projects Authority, requesting “the preservation of the club’s premises and the reconsideration of the decision to remove it,” according to the club’s chairman, Dr. Osama El-Meleigy.
The Egyptian Lawyers Syndicate:
The General Syndicate Council successfully formed the executive office after a long period of discussions and disagreements.
Abdel Halim Allam, the President of the Lawyers Syndicate and the Arab Lawyers Union, welcomed a joint delegation from the Lawyers Syndicate in Hong Kong and the Regional Arbitration Center in Hong Kong, which is affiliated with the Legal Advisory Organization for Asian and African countries, among other institutions in the Hong Kong region. The visit was conducted under the auspices of the Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) and in coordination with it.
During the meeting, the joint delegation and members of the Syndicate Council discussed potential areas of cooperation that would benefit the legal and advocacy community in Egypt and the Hong Kong region. This aimed to align with the visions of both parties and to serve the lawyers affiliated with both syndicates, as well as to support the legal community in Egypt and the legal community in the Hong Kong region in general, promoting the rule of law in both countries.
Section Two: Labor Unions
Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS):
On October 16, 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court concluded the battle over the cancellation of the requirement for drivers to be affiliated with the General Syndicate or its branches by upholding the first-instance ruling that made the same decision and rejecting the appeal submitted by the State Litigation Authority. This historic ruling eliminates the coercive nature that has long contradicted the spirit of trade union freedom.
The Permanent Conference for Working Women:
The regular meeting of the Coordinating Body for the female members of the Permanent Conference for Working Women was held at CTUWS office. This meeting is part of the efforts of female unionists to empower working women, provide necessary support, improve working conditions, and address the challenges they face in various sectors. The discussion focused on the most important issues concerning working women in their jobs and unions.
Committee for the Defense of Trade Union Freedoms
Attendees at the meeting of the Committee for the Defense of Trade Union Freedoms, which included representatives from independent unions and representatives from labor offices in political parties, discussed the conditions of the workers at the Spinning and Weaving Company in Samannoud. This discussion followed their return to work based on the partial fulfillment of workers’ demands, which included an increase in incentives, payment of August 2024 wages, the release of imprisoned workers, and the closure of the case.
Egyptian Trade Union Federation (Under Establishment):
Sherif Masri, the President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation, and Rasha El-Gabali, the Secretary-General of the Federation, participated in a social dialogue meeting regarding the draft of the new labor law. This meeting was held at the Ministry of Labor’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Solidarity of Trade Unions Federation (Under Establishment):
The Solidarity of Trade Unions Federation held a solidarity seminar with the workers of the Spinning and Weaving Company in Samannoud. The management not only ignored their demands for raising the minimum wage but also attacked their meager salaries, which already fall below the extreme poverty line. Additionally, the administration continues to persecute the leader Hisham El-Banna by maintaining his suspension from work.
In the presence of representatives from independent unions and political and party figures at the headquarters of the Trade Union and Labor Services House, the “Solidarity Federation” announced its continued support for the workers whose rights have been violated, many of whom received less than a quarter of their September wages. The statement highlighted that the management has referred worker Ahmed Salah for investigation and threatened him with dismissal due to his opposition to the deduction from his monthly salary, which was reduced to 300 EGP from an original amount of 3,500 EGP.
General Syndicate for Administrative Services:
Security forces arrested six employees from their homes in connection with their participation in a conference held by the Conservative Party. The conference aimed to support employees who were dismissed based on drug testing under Law No. 73 of 2021 and to demand amendments to the law.
Egyptian Trade Union Federation:
The General Assembly of the Fatwa and Legislation Department at the State Council issued a legal opinion stating that the former Minister of Labor, Hassan Shehata, cannot return to his position as President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation for the trade union term 2022-2026.
This opinion was issued by the assembly, which is considered the highest legal advisory authority in Egypt, in response to a query from the current Minister of Labor, Mohamed Gabr.
The inquiry arose because Hassan Shehata had chaired the General Union of Air Transport Workers and was elected as President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation in 2022. In the same year, he was appointed Minister of Labor, which caused him to lose his trade union position, leading to the appointment of Mohamed Gabr to lead the federation.
In July 2024, Hassan Shehata left the ministry, and Mohamed Gabr replaced him, raising the question of the legality of Hassan Shehata’s return to the presidency of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation.
General Trade Union of Land Transport:
Ashraf Al-Dokar, President of the General Trade Union of Land Transport, announced the issuance of the first regulation for a fund dedicated to accidents and disasters at the level of labor unions in Egypt and Arab unions as well. He noted that the fund became operational at the beginning of September 2024, and the first payment to fund participants is scheduled for January 2025.
Al-Dokar explained that the subscription fee is 50 Egyptian pounds for three years, and with this subscription, members receive various benefits. He indicated that the number of beneficiaries from the fund is estimated at approximately 1.3 million members of the union’s general assembly.
The General Syndicate of Food Industries:
Protests organized by workers at Delta Sugar Company in Kafr El-Sheikh over two days forced the Chairman and Managing Director of the company, Ahmed Abu El-Yazid, to resign from his position.
In response, Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk issued a decision appointing Ahmed Sherin Karim as the new Chairman of the company and appointed Engineer Sami Ahmed Abdel Muttaleb as the Managing Director of the company.
The General Syndicate of Engineering Industries:
Workers at the Egypt Aluminum Company in Nag’ Hammadi have announced a sit-in within the company premises to protest the profit-sharing percentage set by the company’s General Assembly.
This year, the company achieved profits estimated at 12 billion Egyptian pounds. It was agreed that the workers’ share would be 12% of the profits, amounting to approximately 1.4 billion pounds, which should have enabled a profit distribution of up to 125 months’ pay for the workers. However, the General Assembly’s decision allocated only 66 months, which the workers consider a reduction of their rightful share and an infringement on the agreed profit percentage. Consequently, they began their sit-in within the company, demanding their full profit entitlements.
Section Three: Human Rights Organizations:
First: The most important activities, publications and initiatives of human rights institutions
National Council for Human Rights:
The National Council continued its “light” human rights activities without addressing real issues such as prolonged pretrial detention, recycling cases, and prisoners of conscience. This month, it organized two sessions on “the basics of human rights” in Port Said, one with the same title in Cairo, another on “The Role of Civil Society in Enforcing Human Rights,” a seminar on “The Role of Political Parties in Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Public Affairs,” and a workshop titled “Together to Support the Rights of the Egyptian Farmer.”
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights:
This month, the Initiative published a paper on the severe shortage of teachers, estimated in its report to be around 470,000.
It also released a paper on converting commodity subsidies for citizens into cash alternatives.
Finally, the Initiative documented an estimate of around 150 people who have been arrested since the beginning of the assault on Gaza and brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution for peacefully expressing their rejection of the genocide being committed against Palestinians.
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms
The Egyptian Commission is almost the only human rights organization consistently reminding the public of prisoners of conscience, their detention conditions, and the investigations they face. This month, it reported on approximately 140 prisoners of conscience on its accounts on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. In addition, it published human rights booklets on law enforcement, such as guides on fair trials or the role of the Public Prosecution, and commented on new legislation, like the recent refugee law.
The Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS)
CTUWS held training courses in the Program for Preparing and Qualifying Leaders and Independent Union Cadres through the Workers’ School of CTUWS, which is set to last seven months.
On October 22, CTUWS documented a partial strike and sit-in by workers at the Nag’ Hammadi Aluminum Factory, protesting the reduction of their annual profits by half, despite their success in tripling profit rates over the past year. On October 24, the workers suspended their strike after a meeting with management, the holding company officials, and several parliament members, who promised to meet their demands by the following Sunday.
Centre for Egyptian Women Legal Assistance (CEWLA)
On October 15, 2024, the organization, in cooperation with the South Qalyubia Bar Association branch, held a meeting to discuss and support the representation of female lawyers in the general and branch bar councils.
On October 16, the “Health and Reproductive Rights” program at the organization conducted a training with healthcare providers in Bahariya Oasis.
The “Health and Reproductive Rights” program also organized a training workshop for 19 young men and women to (build the capacities of young cadres to work on reproductive health and sexual education issues within their communities).
On October 23, the Justice Access Program at the Egyptian Women’s Foundation held an awareness seminar for 30 women in cooperation with the Ma’akum Association in the Helwan area.
On October 25, the program to combat violence against women at the organization held an awareness seminar for men in the Bulaq El-Dakrour area.
Masaar – Society for Technology and Law
On October 7, 2024, Masar launched a paper titled “Digital Technology: New Opportunities, Persistent Challenges in Developing and Poor Countries“, aiming to provide a brief overview of the relationship between digital technology and the efforts of poor and developing economies to progress.
On October 14, Masaar published a paper on ” Digital Rights: Bridging the Gap between the Real and Virtual Worlds” which discusses the origins and evolution of the concept of digital rights and the values and principles that underpin it.
New Woman Foundation:
On October 8, the Women and Society Association, in collaboration with the New Women Foundation, organized a workshop titled “Training Youth Cadres in Associations Working on Women’s Issues.”
On October 15, the New Women Foundation held a conference titled “What Do We Expect from the Upcoming Parliament in Protecting Women from Violence,” aimed at evaluating the Egyptian legislative framework in combating violence against women.
On October 16, the Pioneers Association in Alexandria, in partnership with the New Women Foundation, organized a workshop titled “Legal Awareness Session on Cyber Violence against Women and Legal Procedures.”
Joint Human Rights Activities:
At the end of September, 59 civil society organizations, both Egyptian, regional and international, called on the Egyptian authorities to release British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah on Sunday, September 29, 2024, as he completed his five-year prison sentence. The organizations expressed deep concern over reports from his lawyer indicating that the authorities do not plan to release Alaa until January 2027.
On October 7, six individuals were arrested, including two foreigners who were deported by order of the prosecution. On October 9, in the presence of human rights lawyers, the Qasr al-Nil Prosecution decided to detain the four citizens in case No. 7331 of 2024 for misdemeanor charges. They were accused of protesting, inciting citizens to demonstrate, and public disturbance. On October 10, the prosecution ordered the release of the four on a bail of 5,000 Egyptian pounds each, while one participant in the demonstration was referred to forensic examination following an assault during her arrest.
Human rights organizations also supported the residents of Al Warraq Island against forced displacement and the eviction of inhabitants after their meeting on October 11. The residents insisted on their right to their lands and homes, seeking to reclaim ownership after the island’s development, demanding the lifting of the blockade imposed on the island’s residents, and the resumption of ferry services.
Secondly: Trials News:
1- Trials:
On October 12, 2024, the Administrative Court decided to postpone the first session of the appeal filed by Jamila Ismail, head of the Constitution Party, against the decision of the Political Parties Committee, which stated the vacancy of the party’s presidency and obligated the party to hold new elections for a president, to November 30. This was to allow for the submission of the commissioners’ legal opinion report in the case.
The third circuit of the Cairo Terrorism Criminal Court also postponed the trial of Dr. Ahmed Amasha, former head of the Veterinary Doctors Syndicate, to November 24 for the continuation of the defense’s arguments.
On October 13, the labor circuit in South Giza reserved the ruling on the case filed by Rahma Mahmoud Abdel Mo’min against Al-Wafd newspaper to October 30.
The Administrative Court also postponed the case filed by Fajr Alaa El-Din Al-Adly against the Prime Minister and others, regarding the revocation of her Egyptian citizenship, to October 19. In this session, the court decided to reserve the case for ruling on February 22, 2025.
On October 14, the fifth labor circuit at the Alexandria West Court postponed the case filed by 13 workers from the Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling Company, demanding the dissolution of the union committee, to November 10 to summon the defendant (the union committee) to present the documents and evidence requested by the defense representing the plaintiffs.
On October 16, Tanta Workers Court postponed the subsidiary case filed by Hisham El-Banna against the Samannod Spinning Company regarding his return to work. The court delayed the announcement of the case, the modification of requests, and the announcement of leaving the disputes concerning the remaining defendants except for El-Banna to October 30.
2- Judicial Rulings:
On October 1, 2024, the North Cairo Labor Court accepted the lawsuit filed by journalist Asmaa Gamal against Al-Borsa News newspaper, ordering the newspaper to pay her due financial entitlements.
On October 7, 2024, the Egyptian Center obtained a judicial ruling from the labor circuit in North Cairo, rejecting the lawsuit filed by the Nasr General Contracting Company “Hassan Allam” against the union worker Talal Atef El-Sayed, who was accused, along with others, of participating in a strike that harmed state interests and damaged its property, in case No. 1883 of 2019 for the North Labor Court.
On October 20, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled to cancel the requirement for drivers to belong to the General Syndicate or its branches, upholding the first-instance ruling that issued the same decision and rejecting the appeal submitted by the State Litigation Authority. This historic ruling abolishes the coercive nature that has long contradicted the spirit of trade union freedom.
3- Legal Victories:
On October 13, 2024, the State Security Prosecution decided to release 28 defendants pending various cases.
4- Violations:
On October 8, 2024, the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights expressed deep concern over the ongoing intransigence of the Samannod Textile and Spinning Company against union leader Hisham El-Banna. This comes after the Samnod Prosecution decided to dismiss case No. 588 of 2024, which was filed against him and several workers of the company. Despite the release and reinstatement of the workers, the company continues to exclude El-Banna from returning to his job without any legal justification.
On October 21, the Egyptian Initiative condemned the detention of six employees who were terminated due to drug testing, without just cause, since their arrest on October 13. This occurred after they participated in a seminar organized by the Conservative Party to discuss their issues and demand amendments to the unconstitutional Law No. 73 of 2021, which is used as the basis for their dismissal.