Section One: Political Parties
Introduction:
The Egyptian government mobilized its supporters to celebrate the anniversary of the October War, and during the celebration, the President of the Republic described these days as resembling the 1967 Six-Day War.
Meanwhile, opposition parties continued to write and organize seminars to condemn the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian and Lebanese people.
Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan):
This month, the activities of the Homeland Future Party were limited to organizing some charity events in remote areas and announcing the full support of the party’s senior leadership for the Criminal Procedures Law and the Labor Law.
On November 2, the Homeland Future Party’s Sharkiyya Governorate’s branch organized a large free medical convoy in the village of “Tahla Bardeen,” in the Zagazig district.
On November 6, the party in South Sinai distributed 500 blankets to those in need in the city of Tour Sinai.
On November 7, the party in Giza organized a celebration at the University of Egypt theater to distribute 100 bridal sets to underprivileged families.
On November 11, the party’s branch in Damietta organized a large ceremony to honor athletes with disabilities from the governorate, in the New Damietta city, with the attendance of several public and sports figures.
Homeland Protectors Party
Similarly, the party focused this month on organizing some charity events, in addition to seminars on the Arabic language in Beni Suef, a political seminar titled “How to Organize Party Work” in Alexandria, and a cultural religious seminar in Alexandria titled “The Right to marriage” to address the phenomenon of divorce and choosing the right partner for marital life.
Union of Arab Tribes
It was an unexpected surprise that the “Union of Arab Tribes” took on the responsibility of organizing and hosting the celebration of the 1973 October War victory anniversary and invited the President of the Republic to attend. The union is chaired by businessman Ibrahim Al-Arjani, and the event was held at the New Administrative Capital Stadium, with the President in attendance.
Additionally, the President of the Union, Ibrahim Al-Arjani, announced the appointment of former Egyptian Minister of Housing, Asim Al-Jazzar, as the Union’s Secretary-General, and former Minister of Agriculture, Al-Sayed Al-Qusayr, as Assistant Secretary-General.
A new headquarters for the Union of Arab Tribes and Families was also inaugurated in the Fifth Settlement area of Cairo.
Al-Nour Salafi Party
The party did not witness many activities this month, except for statements regarding the situation of the Palestinian people, as well as the publication of an article on the concept of “liberalism and servitude.”
On November 17, Dr. Ahmed Hamdy Khattab, a member of the parliamentary bloc of Al-Nour Party in the House of Representatives, submitted an urgent statement regarding the suspension of ration cards for those with electricity consumption violations.
The Republican People’s Party
This month, the party focused on highlighting social issues, particularly women’s issues and public health.
On November 2, the party’s branch in the city of Akhmim, Sohag Governorate, organized an educational seminar titled “Your Health is in Your Immunity.”
On November 4, the party’s parliamentary bloc approved the new Criminal Procedures Law.
On November 9, the Republican People’s Party organized a free medical convoy in the Boulaq El-Dakrour area of Giza Governorate.
On November 10, the party’s Central Planning and Development Secretariat held an educational seminar titled “How to Become an Entrepreneur – Start Your Business from Home,” at the party’s central headquarters in New Cairo.
The Justice Party (El Adl):
The agricultural development file was a top priority for the party, which held multiple events focused on agricultural industries.”
On November 2, the party’s branch in Dakahlia organized a seminar titled “Effective Communication Skills” at the party’s main office in the governorate, in the city of Mansoura.
On November 7, the party’s branch in Kafr El-Sheikh held a cultural salon discussing the events in the region and their impact on the situation in Egypt.
On November 8, the Party organized a roundtable discussion on agricultural manufacturing and oil production in Egypt.
On November 9, the party held a workshop on maximizing the added value to the national economy through agricultural industries, titled “Olive Oil Production: Opportunities and Challenges.”
On November 17, the party hosted a workshop as part of the “Saturday Sessions” series, titled “Enhancing Mental Health for Youth: From Facing Challenges to Strengthening the Self.” The workshop focused on discussing the factors affecting the mental health of young people.
The Egyptian Democratic Social Party:
This month, the party used its parliamentary tools to express its opposition to government policies, including its rejection of the Criminal Procedures Law and its opposition to the construction order along the banks of the Zamalek heritage gardens.
The party was active in submitting interpellations and questions this month, including:
A demand for teachers eligible for promotions to undergo drug testing as part of their promotion documents.
Rejection of the new Criminal Procedures Law.
An urgent statement to halt military construction on the historic Zamalek Island gardens and to transfer their management to the specialized gardens project administration.
A parliamentary question directed to the Minister of Health regarding a “video” that circulated on social media, in which a gynecologist and obstetrician discusses patient secrets and violates the medical code of ethics and oath.
On November 11, the Cairo branch of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party organized a seminar titled “Preserving Heritage and Its Importance in Shaping National Identity.”
The Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen):
The party issued statements reflecting its positions on regional issues, especially the Palestinian cause.
On November 2, the party expressed its condemnation of the handling of ships transiting the Suez Canal, criticizing the passage of an Israeli military vessel en route to perpetrate atrocities against the Palestinian people.
On November 11, the party praised the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the old rent law, which declared unconstitutional the provision that fixed annual rents for licensed residential properties under Law No. 136 of 1981.
On November 16, the Conservatives Party organized a conference for people with disabilities titled “The Rights of the Disabled: Between the Constitution, Law, and Ministerial Decisions.”
On November 16, the party issued a statement expressing full solidarity with the people of the Matariya district in Dakahlia Governorate, following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 13 Egyptian citizens.
The Democratic Civil Movement:
This month, the Democratic Civil Movement clashed with the security authorities when several of its leaders submitted a request to the Ministry of Interior, demanding permission to hold a protest against the Israeli aggression on Gaza. However, the security authorities rejected the request.
On November 7, the Democratic Civil Movement expressed deep dissatisfaction upon hearing that the Minister of Interior had requested the Temporary Affairs Judge at the South Cairo Court to cancel the planned protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, which was intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. The movement had notified the Qasr El-Nil Police Station of the protest the day before.
On November 9, a delegation of leaders from the Democratic Civil Movement visited Dr. Leila Soueif to express solidarity with her in her demand for the immediate release of her son, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who had completed his sentence in the case for which he was imprisoned.
The Constitution Party (Al Dostour):
The Constitution Party focused on the U.S. presidential election, which ended with a victory for the Republican Party, and linked the election results to global events. The party held a seminar in which it hosted the political advisor of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
On November 14, the Constitution Party criticized the Egyptian Parliament for its performance in legislating the Personal Status Law.
The party also mourned the victims of the tragic traffic accident that occurred on Wednesday, November 14, on the New Matariya-Bur Sa’id road.
On November 17, the Constitution Party held a discussion titled “Trump in the White House for a Second Term,” which addressed the future of democracy, freedoms, human rights, climate change, women, and migrants. The seminar featured speakers such as Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat, President of the Reform and Development Party, and Scott Sanford, the political advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
The Dignity (Al-Karama) Party:
This month, the activities of the Al-Karama Party were focused solely on the Palestinian cause and the situation in the Gaza Strip. The party organized a seminar titled “Resistance and Boycott Continue,” as well as a screening of the film Dorat Gaza (The Pearl of Gaza), with the filmmakers in attendance, at the party’s headquarters in Dokki.
The Current of Hope Party (Tayyar Al Amal) (under establishment:
The party’s activities this month covered both domestic political issues and regional matters.
On November 2, the Party issued a statement raising several questions about the arrival of the ship Catherine in Alexandria port, which was carrying a cargo of explosives en route to the occupying entity. The party called on the Egyptian Parliament to assume its national responsibilities regarding the matter.
On November 10, the Party issued a statement celebrating the release of 21 of its members who had been held in pretrial detention. The party emphasized in its statement its full commitment to continuing the struggle for the freedom of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, defending the right to free expression.
The Bread and Freedom Party (under establishment):
This month, the party issued an official statement expressing solidarity with those dismissed under Law 135 of 2021 and also focused on cultural issues, particularly the authorities’ actions in demolishing historical cemeteries.
On November 1, the Bread and Freedom Party called on the Egyptian authorities to prevent the Catherine ship from leaving Alexandria port due to suspicions that it was carrying explosives destined for the Israeli occupation army.
On November 10, the Bread and Freedom Party held a seminar titled “What is Happening in the Cemeteries of Cairo.”
On November 17, the party launched a petition calling for the immediate release of five employees who had been arrested by security forces from their homes. The arrests occurred after they attended a seminar opposing the controversial and infamous Law 73 of 2021, which had been presented to and approved by Parliament.
The Popular Socialist Alliance Part:
The Popular Socialist Alliance Party condemned the arrival of the German ship Catherine at Alexandria port, which was transporting weapons and explosives to the Israeli occupation army. The party called on the government to issue an official response to the reports circulating on various platforms.
On November 8, the party expressed its deep sorrow at the passing of the prominent socialist democratic activist, Dr. Ahmed Hussein Al-Ahwani.
The Egyptian Socialist Part:
The party issued a statement mourning the death of Ahmed Hassan Al-Ahwani, a key figure in the student movement. It also condemned the passage of the German ship carrying weapons to the Israeli occupation through the Suez Canal.
The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:
The Revolutionary Socialists typically focus on issuing statements, and this month, the movement highlighted the issue of freedom for political prisoners, particularly those imprisoned for their opinions, such as Ashraf Omar, Huda Abdel-Moneim, and journalist Rasha Azab. Azab, in particular, had faced threats and harassment, culminating in the theft of her car after the Al-Dhaher Police Station failed to take legal action against two individuals who had been chasing her.
Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions
Professional Unions:
The Journalists’ Syndicate
The Freedoms Committee of the Journalists’ Syndicate held a discussion session and a conference for the families of imprisoned journalists as part of a campaign announced by the Syndicate’s president to secure the release of detained journalists.
The Freedoms Committee, with the attendance of its members, reviewed the Syndicate’s efforts and the measures it has taken regarding more than 23 journalists, both members and non-members, who are currently detained.
The Syndicate also organized a roundtable discussion on the “Draft New Labor Law,” attended by a number of journalists and lawyers.
The Journalists’ Syndicate sent its response to journalist-members of Parliament concerning the Parliament’s reply to the Syndicate’s observations on the Criminal Procedures Law. The Syndicate urged journalist MPs to adopt the Syndicate’s stance, defend legislation that protects journalistic rights and the rights of society, and safeguard the freedoms of its people. Additionally, the Syndicate called on journalist MPs to work towards initiating broad public dialogue on the draft Criminal Procedures Law.
The Lawyers’ Syndicate
Abdel Halim Allam, the President of the Lawyers’ Syndicate and Chairman of the Arab Lawyers Union, attended the meeting of the Permanent Bureau of the Arab Lawyers Union held in Marrakesh, Morocco, under the theme “Palestine: Resilience and Defiance… The Cause of All Arabs… Defending Independent Advocacy is a Professional Duty.”
Abdel Halim Allam delivered a speech before the General Assembly of the House of Representatives during the discussion of the committee reports on the new Criminal Procedures Law.
The Engineers’ Syndicate
A delegation from the Coordination of Youth Parties and Politicians participated in the “Future of Smart Cities in Egypt” conference, organized by the Engineers’ Syndicate on the sidelines of the Cairo International Communications and Information Technology Exhibition and Conference (Cairo ICT). The conference discussed the latest technologies in smart cities and communities, with the attendance of numerous experts and researchers from various countries to address the latest developments and challenges in this vital field.
The Doctors’ Syndicate
The General Doctors’ Syndicate hosted a delegation from the Comprehensive Health Insurance Authority at its headquarters in an open seminar to explain the procedures for contracting with doctors in the governorates covered by the comprehensive health insurance system.
Dr. Khaled Amin, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Doctors’ Syndicate, condemned statements made by a gynecologist about conducting virginity tests and claims that women visit her for such examinations. He emphasized that this procedure is neither medical nor permissible to perform in private clinics or hospitals.
The Veterinarians’ Syndicate
Magdy Hassan, the General President of the Veterinarians’ Syndicate, called for the appointment of 10,000 veterinarians due to the severe shortage in the number of veterinarians across veterinary sectors in the country, especially in the General Authority for Veterinary Services and Veterinary Medicine Directorates.
The Nursing Syndicate
Jacqueline Azar, Governor of Beheira, discussed with Dr. Kawthar Mahmoud, the President of the Nursing Syndicate, ways to develop the nursing profession in Egypt. The discussion included improving the education and training system to prepare nursing cadres for the local and international markets.
The Physical Therapy Syndicate
The ordinary general assembly of the syndicate convened and reviewed the Secretary-General’s report, the Treasurer’s report, the Central Auditing Organization’s report, the Pension Committee’s report, and approved increasing financial aid to 30,000 EGP.
Dr. Sami Saad, the General President of the Physical Therapy Syndicate, announced plans to gradually increase pensions in the upcoming period following an actuarial study. The study will set the maximum pension increase at 1,000 EGP and the minimum at 700 EGP.
The Tour Guides Syndicate
The Tour Guides Syndicate signed an agreement with the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, allowing holders of permanent or temporary paper ministry IDs along with their syndicate ID to work.
The syndicate urged its members across the country to remind guests and visitors not to use flash photography inside tombs or museums and to leave backpacks in vehicles to avoid contact with walls.
The Acting Professions Syndicate
Ashraf Zaki, the President of the Acting Professions Syndicate, announced the syndicate’s nominations for state awards. The nominations included Samir Al-Asfoury for the Nile Award, Shaker Abdel Latif for the State Appreciation Award, and Yasser Ali Maher for the Excellence Award. From Arab artists, Dr. Hassan Rashid from Qatar was nominated.
Trade Unions:
The General Syndicate of Workers in Chemical Industries
Workers at the Upper Egypt Pharmaceutical Industries Company “SIDICO,” part of the public business sector in Sixth of October City, held a protest on the company premises. They demanded a 60% salary increase to be added to their basic pay, as well as a cost-of-living allowance. They rejected the salary increase approved by management the previous day, which granted 1,000 EGP to employees earning less than 10,000 EGP.
Workers at the KIMA Company in Aswan also staged a protest on the company premises, demanding increased profit shares, citing their struggles with rising prices and the high cost of living.
The General Syndicate of Workers in Printing, Media, and Publishing
About 25 journalists from The Workers newspaper suspended their strike hours after it began, following a visit by the Deputy Secretaries of the Journalists’ Syndicate, Mohamed Saad Abdel-Hafiz and Mahmoud Kamel, to the newspaper’s headquarters. An agreement was reached to hold a meeting between a delegation from the syndicate, led by President Khaled El-Balshy, and the acting head of the Federation of Egyptian Workers, Abdel Moneim El-Gammal.
Abdel-Hafiz stated that the striking journalists’ main demands included the implementation of the minimum wage for them and the provision of proper workspaces, along with logistical support like chairs, desks, and maintenance for computers.
The General Syndicate of Workers in Engineering Industries
Al-Nasr Castings Company resumed operations after a two-year hiatus caused by a dispute between the company’s shareholder workers’ union and the National Bank of Egypt and the National Investment Bank over the company’s accumulated debts.
The Ministry of Industry announced the company’s reopening following a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry, Kamel El-Wazir, and the company’s workers. El-Wazir affirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the company.
Workers at Egypt Aluminum in Nag Hammadi initiated a full-scale strike after previously holding a partial strike and protests. Their actions were in response to the company’s decision to reduce workers’ profit shares.
The General Syndicate of Workers in Agriculture, Irrigation, Fishing, and Land Reclamation
Eid Marsal, President of the Agricultural and Irrigation Workers Syndicate, announced the syndicate’s support for the government’s social protection programs. These programs aim to combat school dropout rates by implementing an engaging educational policy to attract children to schools and developing an exceptional activity map tailored to the skills of children at all educational levels.
The General Syndicate of Health Sciences
Ahmed El-Dabeiky, President of the Health Sciences Syndicate, called for the urgent inclusion of bachelor’s degree holders from health technicians who are members of the syndicate under the categories covered by the Medical Professions Law No. 14 of 2014, known as the Cadre Law, similar to their peers in the medical professions.
The General Syndicate of Workers in Construction and Wood
Abdel Moneim El-Gammal, President of the Construction and Wood Workers Syndicate, signed a collective labor agreement with one of the cement companies, renewing it for three years. The renewal ensures the company’s commitment to all benefits outlined in the agreement for the next three years, including incentives, profit-sharing, allowances, and more.
The General Syndicate of Administrative and Social Services Workers
Hesham Farouk El-Mehery, Vice President of the Workers’ Union and President of the Administrative and Social Services Syndicate, emphasized that the government’s efforts to introduce amendments to the new labor law aim to enhance workers’ guarantees and rights. These amendments align with international standards and agreements while also ensuring the interests of employers.
The General Syndicate of Land Transport Workers
Ashraf El-Dokar, President of the Land Transport Workers Syndicate, stated that drivers had previously been excluded from the health insurance system but were recently included as beneficiaries. He added that membership cards for about 1.5 million members of the syndicate will soon be issued, marking a significant achievement for drivers, who are among the groups most exposed to accidents and illnesses.
The General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions
The General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions expressed its happiness at the reopening of Al-Nasr Automotive Company and the production of the first locally made bus after a 15-year hiatus.
Abdel Moneim El-Gamal, President of the Federation, highlighted the critical issue of child labor, calling it one of the most dangerous practices for the future of Egyptian society. He noted that the Federation has a vision to combat child labor through its member unions by leveraging tools like awareness campaigns and education programs.
El-Gamal also revealed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Labor to implement the significantly increased minimum wage, which rose from 1,200 EGP to 6,000 EGP. This includes exploring measures such as granting extensions to struggling companies or offering assistance to help them comply with the decision.
The Center for Trade Union and Workers’ Services (CTUWS)
The CTUWS launched a campaign to enforce an administrative court ruling that abolished the requirement for drivers to join a union to obtain a professional license.
The Supreme Administrative Court had rejected, on October 16, appeals filed by the State Litigation Authority (cases 58677 and 58681) against the lower administrative court’s ruling on June 26, which invalidated the union membership condition.
During a Trade Unions Freedom Committee meeting, representatives of trade unions and political parties insisted on their right to hold hearings in Parliament regarding the new labor law. The bill was recently withdrawn from the Parliamentary Manpower Committee after initial discussions began.
The CTUWS also organized the second training session of its labor school program, aimed at preparing union and labor leaders equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills in trade union work.
The Permanent Conference for Working Women issued a strong condemnation of a new regulation by the General Administration of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality. The regulation requires women from “lower categories,” as described, to obtain prior approval for travel to Saudi Arabia for work or visits. The Conference deemed this policy, effective from October 26, 2024, as blatant discrimination and an attack on women’s fundamental rights, perpetuating inequality and systemic bias in society.
Section Three: Human Rights Movements and Institutions
Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Institutions
The National Council for Human Rights
The council has been active in numerous events and activities; however, it is criticized for failing to address pressing issues such as defending prisoners of conscience, prolonged pretrial detention, case recycling, or unfair trials.
Despite widespread public opposition, the council praised Parliament for the new Criminal Procedures Law.
The council organized several dialogue sessions and interactive workshops on topics such as “Raising Awareness of Human Rights in Schools” and “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Rights.”
The Legislative Committee of the council hosted a symposium over three sessions on limiting the use of the death penalty, restricting it to the most serious crimes.
On November 10, the council, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a consultative meeting for experts titled “Legislations Related to Promoting Reproductive and Sexual Rights.”
On November 11, the Social Rights Committee, in partnership with UNFPA, organized a workshop titled “The Human Rights and Reproductive Health Component in Curricula.”
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights
On October 31, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights issued a press statement calling on the Ministry of Interior to revoke its administrative decision requiring certain women to obtain prior travel approval before leaving the country for Saudi Arabia. The initiative also demanded accountability for those responsible for issuing the decision.
On November 10, the initiative condemned the harassment and mistreatment of Ahmed Sabry Nasif, after the Ministry of Interior refused to implement a court order for his release, unlawfully detained him, and referred him for a ninth interrogation in case No. 15986 of 2024, accusing him of similar charges to his previous prosecution.
On November 13, the initiative announced that a court order had been issued lifting the asset freeze imposed on its executive director, Hossam Bahgat, and other human rights activists. This decision came eight years after the freeze was initially placed as part of the investigation into Case No. 173 of 2011, known as the “NGOs Case.” The initiative also filed a complaint with the Attorney General regarding the continuation of punitive measures against three of its directors, who had faced asset freezes, travel bans, and bank account closures for four years without trial or investigation.
On November 14, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights hosted a press conference titled “Towards a Fair Criminal Procedures Law,” which addressed the reasons for rejecting the proposed law and suggested amendments.
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms
On October 31, 2024, the commission published a research paper titled “Medical Waste Management in Egypt: Assessing Environmental and Health Risks in Light of Human Rights.”
On November 2, 2024, the commission issued a press release on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. It called for an end to violations against journalists, accountability for the perpetrators, and the guarantee of press and media freedom, particularly in relation to prolonged pretrial detention, medical neglect, assaults, and forced disappearances.
On November 4, the commission’s lawyers submitted a request to the State Security Prosecution to allow journalist Mohamed Saad Khattab, who has been in pretrial detention in connection with case No. 2063 of 2023, to see a dentist outside his detention facility at his own expense. This request was made due to the lack of a specialist dentist at the Tenth of Ramadan Prison Hospital.
The Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS):
On November 1, 2024, CTUWS announced the launch of its second training course at the Labor School. The course aims to prepare qualified labor and union cadres capable of facing current challenges and enhancing leadership skills.
On November 3,CTUWS reported that the management of the Nagaa Hammadi Aluminum Complex had failed to fulfill its promises to workers regarding the full payment of annual profit shares.
On November 7, CTUWS documented a protest by workers at the Kima Company in Aswan, who were unhappy about a 50% reduction in their profit share.
On November 11,CTUWS issued a statement calling for a renewed discussion of the proposed labor law in the Labor Committee of the House of Representatives, following the omission of public consultation sessions on the law’s provisions.
New Woman Foundation:
The New Woman Foundation organized several workshops, either independently or in collaboration with other organizations, on topics including:
“Cyberbullying and the Importance of the Unified Law Project.”
A specialized training workshop on Digital Safety.
“Intersectionality in the Egyptian Context.”
Mechanisms and policies for protection against violence in the world of work, held in Qena governorate.
Masar Foundation – Community of Technology and Law:
Masar published research papers on:
Digital Technology and Its Impact on Cultural Rights: New Opportunities and Challenges.
The Future of Smart Cities: Economic and Social Challenges and Opportunities for Developmental Justice.
A podcast “Connect” discussing the role that progressive communications can play in supporting gender equality efforts and the available opportunities for supporting this role.
Egyptian Women’s Issues Foundation:
The foundation held meetings and training sessions on:
Ways to support female lawyers in general and branch union councils.
The Egyptian constitution and discriminatory laws against women.
A training on “Social Accountability with Decision-Makers,” with the participation of 50 women in Qalyubia Governorate.
A meeting on a project to promote sexual and reproductive rights, with the goal of integrating these rights into the educational curriculum in Egypt.
A training session in Port Said on the Beijing Agreement and Women’s Rights in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the agreement.
A consultative meeting to discuss the “Mufid” Book on Personal Status for Orthodox Christians, aiming to propose a new personal status law that ensures justice, equality, and fairness.
A workshop on the training guide on Resolution 1325 and its four pillars, with 15 women and girls.
A campaign for a more just personal status law for all, running until November 24.
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights
On November 5, the Egyptian Center expressed its deep concern and condemnation over the beginning of the Egyptian Parliament’s discussion of the new draft Criminal Procedures Law, which was prepared by a subcommittee without conducting a genuine societal dialogue involving all concerned parties. The Center renewed its call for the law to be presented for public discussion or withdrawn.
On November 11, the Egyptian Center signed a cooperation protocol with the Egyptian Federation of Independent Unions and the Professional Union of Tour Guides, aimed at supporting and developing trade union work and enhancing workers’ rights in Egypt.
On November 24, the Egyptian Center filed a lawsuit against AstraZeneca and others, seeking compensation for a citizen who suffered harm due to the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Freedom of Thought and Expression Foundation
On November 2, 2024, the Freedom of Thought and Expression Foundation condemned the prolonged detention and pretrial detention of 19 Egyptians on various charges related to their work in journalism.
On November 14, 42 human rights organizations expressed solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese journalists, highlighting the dangers they face and the deliberate targeting by the occupying power.
Violations and Harassment:
Renewal of Detention
On November 4, the Cairo Terrorism Court decided to renew the detention of journalist Mohamed Saad Khattab for 45 days, in connection with Case No. 2063 of 2023 (State Security).
The court also renewed the detention of 15 defendants for 45 days, including lawyer Hoda Abdel-Moneim, lawyer Ibrahim Metwally, and others, on various charges.
On November 6, the Cairo Terrorism Court renewed the detention of Mohamed El-Qassas, Vice President of the Strong Egypt Party, and six others for 45 days in connection with Case No. 786 of 2020 (State Security).
The court also renewed the detention of Sameh Zakaria Ramadan, an ambulance worker, for 45 days in connection with Case No. 2412 of 2022 (State Security).
On November 7, the Cairo Terrorism Court decided to renew the detention of Yemeni refugee Abdul-Baqi Said Abdu Ali and another individual for 45 days in connection with Case No. 2993 of 2021 (State Security).
On November 7, the Cairo Terrorism Court decided to renew the detention of activist Sherif El-Rouby for 45 days in connection with Case No. 1634 of 2022 (State Security). The court also renewed the detention of 11 other defendants in various cases for 45 days.
On November 10, the Cairo Terrorism Court renewed the detention of three defendants, including poet Galal El-Bahiry, academic Ahmed El-Tahamy, and Ahmed Arabi, who was injured in one of his eyes during the January 2011 revolution.
On November 14, the Cairo Terrorism Court’s Second Circuit renewed the detention of 16 defendants for 45 days in connection with Case No. 2468 of 2023 (State Security), known in the media as the “Cairo Palestine Protest Case.”
The State Security Prosecution also renewed the detention of engineer Yehia Hussein Abdel-Hadi for 15 days in connection with Case No. 3916 of 2024 (State Security).
In addition, the State Security Prosecution renewed the detention of journalist Khaled Mamdouh in Case No. 1282 of 2024 (State Security) and two others for 15 days, on various charges.
The Cairo Terrorism Court also renewed the detention of photojournalist Hamdy El-Zayem for 45 days in connection with Case No. 955 of 2020 (State Security).
On November 24, the State Security Prosecution decided to detain journalist Ahmed Bayoumi, a reporter at “Erm News”, for 15 days in connection with Case No. 5054 of 2024 (State Security).
Judicial Rulings:
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights succeeded in obtaining several rulings, including:
A ruling by the North Cairo Court revoked the decision of the Trade Union Committee for Road Transport Workers to suspend unionist Mahmoud Abdel Hamid from practicing his union activities.
The Labor Court awarded compensation of more than 165,000 EGP to a worker against Leoni Wiring Systems for unjust dismissal.
Seven rulings exceeding 1 million EGP were issued by the North Giza Court in favor of seven journalists against Roya News Network, compensating for unjust dismissal and accrued vacation entitlements.
Mandating the Convening of a General Assembly The Administrative Court ordered the South Dakahlia Lawyers Syndicate Council to convene a general assembly and present the budget along with auditors’ comments on the financial statements.
Trials:
On October 30, the East Tanta Labor Court postponed the dismissal lawsuit filed by Samannoud Weaving Company against worker Hesham El-Banna to November 13, to be considered alongside the worker’s lawsuit seeking reinstatement and financial entitlements.
On November 10, the Supreme Administrative Court postponed the appeal submitted by Yehia Nasser Saad against the President of Suez University and others (Appeal No. 45845/70) to November 20 for document review.
On November 18, the Mansoura Administrative Court adjourned the appeal filed by activist Mohamed Adel against the South Mansoura Prosecutor General regarding implementing a sentence without counting pretrial detention time (which exceeded three years) in Case No. 2981/2023 (Aga Misdemeanors) to December 2.
On November 24, the Second Chamber of Cairo Terrorism Court adjourned the trial of Dr. Ahmed Shawky Abdel Sattar Amasha (Case No. 4743/2022 Shorouk Felonies) to December 9 for defense pleadings.
Legal Victories:
On November 10, 2024, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the release of poet and political activist Ahmed Douma on a bail of 20,000 EGP. Douma had faced charges of disseminating false news domestically and internationally in connection to Case No. 5892/2024 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
On November 12, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the release of several detainees held in connection with different cases, including Sayed Abdel-Lah Sayed Ali, who was detained in Case No. 2490/2024, facing charges related to his solidarity with the Palestinian people.