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

Section One: Political Parties

Introduction:

• The political scene in Egypt this month witnessed notable opposition movements, despite the continued restrictions on political freedoms. The parliament approved several important laws this month, including the Criminal Procedure Law, the Labor Law, and ongoing preparations for amendments to the Old Rent Law, alongside the persistent economic crisis and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan):

This month, the party focused on social activities, such as Labor Day celebrations, and naturally, on issuing statements in support of the government’s economic policies and the laws discussed in parliament.

• The party organized a special celebration for Labor Day in Nuweiba, another in Gharbia, and a seminar in Cairo about Labor Law.
• It also organized a blood donation campaign in Nag Hammadi.
• The party held seminars on women’s issues in New Valley, Beni Suef, and Kafr El-Zayat, in addition to a seminar in Ismailia about rumors and their harmful effects on society.

Homeland Protectors Party (Humat el Watan):

New offices and service-oriented activities dominated the party’s work this month.

• The party organized a public conference titled “The Role of the Domestic Front in Supporting the Nation and Raising Political Awareness” in Maghagha, Minya.
• It contributed to an initiative titled “A Nation Without Illiteracy” in Monufia.
• On May 19, the party organized a major event to provide 100 brides with household appliances, which took place in the indoor hall of Shebin El-Kom Stadium in Monufia.

National Front Party (Al Gabha Al Wataneyya):

While the party was busy restructuring its organization in preparation for parliamentary elections, it also issued greetings on various occasions, such as:

• Congratulating workers on Labor Day, and also marking Sinai Liberation Day.

Civil Democratic Movement:

The movement had several activities this month, with the Families of Detainees seminar being the most attended, where families demanded the release of their relatives and the closure of the pretrial detention file.

• The movement congratulated the Journalists Syndicate President Khaled El-Balshi on his re-election, and also congratulated Egyptian workers on Labor Day.
• On May 4, the Youth Secretariat of the movement organized a seminar titled “What’s Next After the Approval of the Labor Law?” at the Socialist Popular Alliance Party, where representatives from political parties and civil organizations discussed the implications of the new law and preparations for the next phase.

The Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen):

The Palestinian cause and American hegemony were the primary issues the party advocated for, both politically and legally.

• The party congratulated Egyptian workers on their day and participated in the Labor Day celebration held by the CTUWS.
• The legislative body of the party organized a community dialogue session on the new Criminal Procedure Law at the party’s headquarters in Garden City.
• On May 16, the party hosted an event in solidarity with prisoners of conscience, attended by Dr. Laila Soueif, families of detainees, and human rights activists. The event was held under the slogan “Their Place is Among Us”, calling for the release of those in pretrial detention and pardons for women and the elderly.
• On May 21, the legislative body of the party, in cooperation with the Arab Law Foundation and the Arab Academy for Dispute Resolution, organized an expanded discussion session to analyze the new Labor Law, aiming to evaluate its legislative philosophy and its contribution to developing the Egyptian legal system.

The Constitution Party (Al Dostour):

The Dostour Party was active this month, more so than in previous months, as its internal disputes with the Political Parties Committee dominated its focus.

• The party sent a congratulatory telegram to workers on their day, describing them as the “salt of the earth and its backbone,” and also congratulated the head of the Journalists’ Syndicate on his re-election.
• The party participated in a series of dialogue events to discuss the new Labor Law, the future of workers, and the labor market in Egypt.
• On May 22, the First Circuit of the Supreme Administrative Court heard the pleadings and requests of the Dostour Party’s defense in its appeal against the decision of the Political Parties Committee. The court adjourned the hearing to July 2, 2025.

The Bread and Freedom Party (Under Formation):

This month, the party focused on discussions about the new Labor Law and its implications, and congratulated Egyptian workers on their day.

• The party rejected the latest draft law on rental regulations proposed by the government, which included unfair increases in rent.
• On May 14, the Bread and Freedom Party and the platform “Zero” organized a seminar titled “Behind Trump’s Trade War” to discuss the impact of the trade measures taken by US President Donald Trump.

The Egyptian Democratic Social Party:

As usual, the party used its MPs to voice opposition to government policies, with several MPs submitting formal questions to ministers in parliament, including:

• A question directed to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and the Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities regarding the explosion that occurred in the natural gas pipeline at the entrance of 6th of October City.
• A question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding a serious humanitarian crisis faced by a crew of Egyptian sailors stranded on the PETRO 1 ship, owned by Petro Fleet, near the port of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, since February.
• A question to the Minister of Culture about rumors concerning the closure of Abnoub Cultural Palace in Assiut Governorate.
• An urgent question directed to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Business Sector, and the Minister of Labor regarding the complaint of members of the General Assembly of the Shareholders Workers’ Union at the Eastern Company (Eastern Tobacco), concerning arbitrary dismissal decisions against six workers and unjust penalties against 18 others.
• A question to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture regarding the recent tendency of the Ministry of Culture to implement a plan to close a large number of cultural palaces, houses of culture, and public libraries, and its negative impact on the future of awareness and creativity in Egypt.
• An urgent parliamentary question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, asking for clarification on the measures taken to protect Egyptian citizens residing in Libya and to verify reports of injuries or arrests of some during the recent armed clashes in Tripoli.

The Dignity Party (Al Karama):

This month, the party hosted the most attended conference on the amendments to the Old Rent Law.

• On May 6, the Karama Party held a press conference titled “No to the Eviction of Tenants”, organized by the Tenants’ Association and the Social Justice Front, at the Karama Party’s headquarters in Dokki.
• On May 15, the Karama Party mourned, with great sadness, the passing of leftist activist José Mujica, the “Champion of the Poor” and a voice for humanity, who was also one of the most prominent supporters of the Palestinian cause.
• On May 17, the Karama Party held a discussion session titled “Nasser’s Recordings… and His Vision on Palestine and the Resistance”.

The Popular Socialist Alliance Party:

This month, the Socialist Popular Alliance Party issued several statements on various topics, including the new Labor Law, the Palestinian cause on the anniversary of the Nakba, and the amendments to the Old Rent Law.

• The party organized its Labor Day celebration, which included discussions on the current concerns of the working class, ways to address them, honoring a number of trade union and labor leaders, and a musical performance.
• On May 15, the Socialist Popular Alliance Party issued a statement commemorating the Nakba, stating: “The Nakba is the tragedy of a people uprooted from their land by force, who have resisted occupation to this day, while the wound remains open and the tragedy continues.”
• On May 23, the party issued a statement titled “No to the Eviction of Tenants, Yes to Forming Tenant Defense Associations and the Right to Housing”, declaring that housing is a constitutional and human right, not a gift from the state. The statement emphasized that no person should be evicted from their home without fair compensation and an alternative solution.

The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:

This month, the movement focused on sharing solidarity activities with the Palestinian people, tenants, and workers.

• On May 7, the movement published a report on its official website about a mass meeting organized by the Tenants’ Association and the Popular Front for Social Justice “Haqq Al-Nas” at the Karama Party headquarters, attended by several members of parliament, party representatives, and political activists. The meeting discussed the implications of the new rent law proposed by the government.
• On May 16, the movement published a petition titled “Solidarity with Palestine is a Duty, Not a Crime” on its official website, marking the 77th anniversary of the Nakba of the Palestinian people.
• On May 20, the movement reported on Dr. Laila Soueif’s return to a full hunger strike in protest of the continued imprisonment of her son, political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah.

Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions

Professional Unions:

The Lawyers’ Syndicate

The most significant activity of the Lawyers’ Syndicate this month — and still ongoing — has been the protests against the court fees imposed by the heads of the Courts of Appeal. These included:

• Lawyers refraining from attending all criminal courts across the country for two consecutive days.
• Dozens of lawyers organise a protest in front of North Giza Court.
• The Mahalla East Tanta branch of the Lawyers’ Syndicate organized a protest, and on the following day, lawyers staged a sit-in across all lawyers’ chambers in Mahalla Courthouse.
• The Syndicate announced that it continues to receive requests from lawyers affected by the case dismissal decisions, as part of its ongoing commitment to support its members and defend their interests.
• The Syndicate confirmed it would review these requests and cover the costs of re-registering dismissed cases, reflecting its consistent support for lawyers under all circumstances.
• The Lawyers’ Syndicate also announced that a General Assembly would be held on June 21 for all lawyers in Egypt, rejecting the same decision (the increase in court fees).

The Journalists’ Syndicate

• Journalists organized a protest on the steps of the Journalists’ Syndicate on the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, demanding the lifting of the siege on Gaza and the delivery of aid.
• Journalists renewed their confidence in leftist Khaled Al-Balshi, re-electing him as the Syndicate’s head for a second term in the mid-term elections held on May 2.
• Following a request from five members of the Journalists’ Syndicate Council, the formation of the bureau and committees was postponed to Monday, May 26, 2025, with the council remaining in session until the formation is complete.
• Khaled Al-Balshi, the Syndicate’s head, declared solidarity with the Lawyers’ Syndicate in their fight against the increased court fees, stating: “Litigation should not become a privilege for those who can pay; it is a constitutional right guaranteed to all.”

The Doctors’ Syndicate

• The Doctors’ Syndicate expressed deep dismay at statements made by the editor-in-chief of a state-owned newspaper and a candidate for the Journalists’ Syndicate Council, who made inappropriate remarks mocking the code of conduct designed to protect female journalists from harassment, sarcastically asking: “Are we working in a hospital?”
• Khaled Amin, Assistant Secretary-General of the Doctors’ Syndicate, stated that doctors are submitting daily resignations from government work in order to obtain a “private doctor” license.
• The General Doctors’ Syndicate announced that it is working to adopt a media code of conduct, prepared by syndicate members and legal experts, to regulate doctors’ appearances in various media outlets, emphasizing the need to safeguard the profession’s reputation.

The Veterinarians’ Syndicate

• The General Syndicate of Veterinarians renewed its full readiness to dedicate its staff and expertise to achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production, improving breeding standards, and supporting the presidential vision in this field.

The Dental Syndicate

• The General Dentists’ Syndicate organized a Youth Conference at the Princess Fatima Training Academy, with more than 20 lecturers and a large attendance of young dentists. The event aimed to support recent graduates and help them navigate the growing challenges of the job market.
• The Ordinary General Assembly of the Dentists’ Syndicate rejected the 2023 budget, referring it to the financial administration for review. It also rejected the entire 2025 budget and authorized the Syndicate Council to donate dental chairs as in-kind contributions.

Nurses Syndicate

• Kawthar Mahmoud, Head of the Nursing Syndicate and Chair of the Supreme Committee for Nursing Practice Guidelines at the Egyptian Health Council, announced the resumption of training programs aimed at training trainers on applying the nursing practice guidelines.
• The Ministry of Health and Population announced that more than 5,000 nurses have been trained, in addition to conducting field and supervisory visits in seven governorates, to enhance the performance of nursing teams and monitor quality standards in healthcare facilities during the first quarter of 2025, as part of the ministry’s plan to improve the nursing system and service quality.

Engineers’ Syndicate

• The General Engineers’ Syndicate inaugurated the Engineering Training and Development Academy. During the inauguration, Engineer Tarek Al-Nabarawy emphasized that the academy is the result of sustained efforts to improve engineers’ professional performance through practical and preparatory training. He stressed that preparing young engineers is a top priority for the Syndicate, stating:
  “We believe in the Egyptian engineer’s ability to compete regionally and internationally, and this academy is a key tool for achieving this goal.

Part Two: Labor Unions

The Solidarity of Trade Unions Federation (STUF) (Under Formation):

• The Federation of Independent Trade Unions expressed its deep regret and strong condemnation of the arbitrary dismissal of trade unionist Mahmoud Youssef Othman, an employee at Seba Ready-Made Garments Company (Al-Nahr Al-Khaled 4) in Port Said. The dismissal followed his participation in a peaceful sit-in demanding the implementation of the legal minimum wage.
• The Federation of Independent Trade Unions (under establishment) called on Eric Oechslin, the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Cairo, to reconsider his supportive stance on the new Labor Law in Parliament. They urged him to seriously consider the objections and comments raised by civil society organizations and independent trade union bodies to ensure national legislation aligns with the international agreements Egypt has signed.
  

The Committee for the Defense of Trade Union Freedoms and Labor Rights:

• The committee discussed the ongoing crisis of the workers at Al-Nasr Spinning and Weaving Company (El-Shorbagi), which remains unresolved despite workers ending their nine-day strike in response to promises made by the company’s management and the intervention of MP Nashwa El-Deeb, who met with the Minister of Public Enterprise Sector and pledged an immediate solution to the crisis.

The Permanent Conference for Working Women

• In collaboration with the Center for Trade Union and Workers’ Services, the Permanent Conference for Working Women organized a workshop titled:
  “After the Issuance of Labor Law No. 14 of 2025: How Do We Determine Our Next Steps?” The event included workers from various factories in Port Said, including Seba, Al-Nahr Al-Khaled, Freedom, Lotus, Liberty, Sky, and Al-Dhofair.

The Egyptian Trade Unions Federation (ETUF):

• ETUF, chaired by Abdel Moneim Al-Gamal, expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of the blatant attacks by Israeli occupation forces in the Palestinian city of Jenin, which targeted diplomatic missions. The Federation described these acts as a dangerous precedent that flagrantly violates international norms and the Vienna Conventions, which guarantee full protection for diplomatic missions and entities.

General Union of Bank Workers

• Dozens of employees from the Agricultural Bank, representing various governorates, held a protest in front of the bank’s main branch in Giza, denouncing their arbitrary dismissal since 2020. They also protested the Labor Office’s refusal to accept their complaints on the grounds that they are not under its jurisdiction.
  The employees stated that the dismissals coincided with the appointment of Alaa El-Din Farouk as Chairman of the Agricultural Bank in February 2020, as part of a restructuring plan aimed at reducing the workforce in all branches.

The General Union of Textile Workers:

• Workers at Samannoud Weaving Company staged a partial strike for several hours as a new protest against what they described as “arbitrary and unjust administrative policies” implemented by the company’s management, led by Saad Abdel-Rabbeh.

According to the workers, these policies are aimed at humiliating and subjecting them to a management system based on favoritism and discrimination. They accused the chairman of dividing employees into groups on non-professional grounds, selectively applying the minimum wage while excluding others, which has led to a decline in living conditions for many workers—some of whom have over 20 years of service but earn no more than 3,500 EGP per month.

Land Transport Syndicate

• A large number of taxi and microbus drivers in El-Mahalla requested MP Ahmed Belal El-Borlosy, the representative of El-Mahalla El-Kubra, to ensure the implementation of the Administrative Supreme Court’s ruling, which invalidates the legal status of a specific union.
• They also called for an inquiry into why the competent authorities have failed to enforce the ruling, which became final and binding on October 16, 2024.
• The ruling upholds drivers’ right to freedom of association, allowing them to join or not join a union of their choice without coercion or interference.

General Union of Food Industries

• The management of Eastern Company for Tobacco (Eastern Co.), chaired by Hany Aman, suspended six workers from work, barred them from entering the company’s premises, and decided to deduct bonuses from 18 other employees.

This step was described as arbitrary and came after Ashraf Omouri, head of the Shareholders’ Union, called for a general assembly meeting on February 21 to vote on an acquisition offer from EFG Hermes (on behalf of a client) to buy all the union’s shares in the company’s capital. The assembly was canceled due to poor organization, and a new date was set.

General Union of Engineering Industries

• 28 companies affiliated with the General Union of Engineering Industries from various governorates participated in a training course on first aid in the workplace, organized by the union in Alexandria.

The General Union of Agricultural Workers:

• Engineer Eid Mersal, President of the General Union of Agricultural, Irrigation, Land Reclamation, and Fisheries Workers, and Secretary-General of the GFETU, met with Fred Oto, the Kenyan Ambassador to Cairo, at the Kenyan Embassy.
• The meeting discussed the conditions of Egyptian workers in Kenya and Kenyan workers in Egypt, emphasizing the need to find urgent solutions to common challenges.

Section Three: Human Rights Movements and Institutions

Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Institutions

The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR):

• On May 5, 2025, the Training and Capacity Building Committee of the Council organized two training courses titled “Human Rights Basics.” These targeted staff working in Human Rights Units, Equal Opportunities Units, and Citizen Service Technology Centers in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.
• On May 10, the Council, in cooperation with the European Union, held an extensive dialogue meeting titled “Necessities and Possibilities of Joining International Human Rights Conventions, Charters, and Protocols, and Lifting Reservations on Certain Articles.”
• The Council also organized an open meeting with students of the Faculty of Political Science at Badr University to promote a culture of human rights and raise societal awareness of the importance of respecting rights and freedoms.

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR):

• On May 2, 2025, the Initiative documented the arbitrary arrest by security forces of approximately 15 citizens, who were subjected to torture and enforced disappearance for varying periods before appearing before the Supreme State Security Prosecution. The prosecution ordered their detention pending investigations.
• On May 4, the Initiative announced that the State Security Prosecution had referred an unprecedented number of cases to trial starting in September 2024, with around 186 cases involving over 6,000 people accused of “terrorism.”
• On May 5, the Initiative condemned the interrogation of opposition figure Ahmed Tantawy on April 27 in connection with two cases from 2023, accusing him of “calling for demonstrations on October 20 and 27, 2023, in support of the Palestinian cause.” The Initiative called on the Public Prosecutor to drop the charges and close the cases and welcomed the decision to release Tantawy pending the investigations.
• On May 12, the Initiative criticized the issuance of the “Law Regulating Religious Fatwas” by Parliament, arguing that it grants additional authority to official Islamic religious institutions over society and violates freedom of belief, opinion, and expression. The Initiative called on the President not to ratify the law and to return it to Parliament for further discussion.
• The Initiative also urged the International Monetary Fund and the Egyptian government to uphold transparency by publicly disclosing detailed reports on the progress of loan programs and the financial and monetary reforms implemented by the government.
• On May 15, the Initiative filed a report with the Public Prosecutor (No. 35490) requesting an investigation into the reasons behind activist Mohamed Adel’s hunger strike, which began in early May, due to being denied the opportunity to take his exams on time.
• On May 19, the Initiative welcomed a new report by the UN Committee Against Torture, which criticized the new Criminal Procedure Code and the continued human rights violations under terrorism and prison laws.
• The Initiative also released a study titled “Virtual Freedom: Towards Ending the Repression of Digital Freedom of Expression by the Cybercrime Law.”

The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF):

• On May 1, the Commission reaffirmed its support and solidarity with Dr. Laila Soueif on her birthday and the 214th day of her hunger strike demanding the release of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah.
• On May 4, in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, the Commission called for the release of detained journalists and opinion writers imprisoned for their work or views, and an end to all forms of targeting and harassment of journalists and media professionals. It also released a bulletin on violations against the press and media workers and the restrictions on media outlets.
• On May 6, the Commission launched its bulletin on “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” to highlight the concerns and issues faced by minorities and to promote a culture of tolerance and rejection of violence and hate speech.
• On May 21, the Commission marked the fourth anniversary of journalist Tawfik Ghanem’s arrest, noting his deteriorating health in prison, ongoing pretrial detention, and denial of necessary medical care, particularly as he is elderly, diabetic, and suffers from chronic illnesses.
• On May 24, the Commission condemned the summoning of journalist Rasha Kandil for questioning—she is the wife of politician and former MP Ahmed Tantawy—to give her testimony in case No. 4196/2025 under State Security jurisdiction.

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

• On May 1, 2025, the CTUWS reported violations and abuses by the management of the Samannoud Weaving Company, including coercing workers to film videos declaring their support for the company’s board chairman. These videos were shared on social media, exploiting the workers’ financial needs and implicitly threatening them with retaliation.
• On May 2, the CTUWS reported that despite the strike by Al-Shorbagy Company workers entering its third day, the company delayed paying wages for over four days and reinstated a decision to cancel Saturday holidays.
• On May 5, the CTUWS announced that the management of Al-Shorbagy Company had ignored workers’ demands, suspended 18 workers starting May 4, and referred them to the legal department for investigation. During the investigations, the company also referred 12 additional workers.
• On May 12, the CTUWS announced the end of the strike by workers at Al-Nasr Spinning and Weaving Company (Al-Shorbagy) in Imbaba, but noted that the workers did not receive their rights, and wage and benefits discrimination continues compared to their counterparts in other textile companies under the same holding group.
• On May 15, the CTUWS documented demands by taxi and microbus drivers in El-Mahalla for the implementation of a court ruling invalidating the cancellation of their union membership during the renewal of professional licenses at the traffic department.
• On May 17, the CTUWS reported that workers at the Samannoud Weaving Company went on strike for several hours as a new protest step against what they described as “chaotic and unjust administrative policies” marked by favoritism and discrimination by the company’s chairman.

The New Woman Foundation:

Throughout the month, New Woman Foundation organized various events, activities, statements, and workshops, including:

• Training on collective bargaining and social dialogue for trade unions.
• An online campaign on the nature of sexual violence against women, girls, and children, and how to respond to criminal behavior.
• A community dialogue table in Qena titled “Enhancing the Role of Equal Opportunities Units and Gender Equality for a Safe and Fair Work Environment for Women.”
• A collective bargaining and social dialogue workshop in Alexandria.
• A conference titled “Decent Work Issues and Organizing Women in the Health Sector” to discuss the conditions of workers in the health sector and ensure a decent work environment.
• A workshop for union leaders and civil society figures in Qena under the project “Enhancing the Role of Trade Unions in Implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda from a Gender Perspective.”

Masar – Community for Technology and Law:

Throughout the month, Masar published research and legal papers, including:

• “Opportunities and Challenges in Using Strategic Litigation to Defend Digital Rights.”
• “Gender Sensitivity in Digital Technology: Approaches to Designing Tools that Promote Justice and Equality.”
• “The Right to Encryption: Why Encryption Should Be a Human Right.”
• “Criminal Justice in the Digital Age: The Role of Technology in Redrawing the Landscape of Justice.”

Center for Egyptian Women LegalAssistance (CEWLA):

Throughout the month, CEWLA organized various workshops, seminars, and events, including:

• Three awareness seminars on personal status laws attended by 90 women in the Hadayek El-Qubba and Al-Matamdeya areas in Giza.
• An awareness session at the Intellectual Education School in Imbaba with 50 mothers of children with special needs.
• A participatory theater performance titled “A Very Happy Family” addressing issues of female genital mutilation, family planning, birth spacing, and child marriage.
• A dialogue table on “The Importance of a Fairer Personal Status Law for All Family Members” in Minya.
• A training session on “Presentation, Facilitation, and Training Skills in the Field of Personal Status Laws” with 23 students and graduates of law faculties.
• An online training on austerity policies and their impact on women, explaining the differences between the IMF and the World Bank and their operational mechanisms.
• A training session on conflict management and self-care for female lawyers at the Bar Association.
• An awareness seminar at Al-Agoza National School with 42 high school students (language track).
• A dialogue table titled “UNSCR 1325 Through Egyptian Eyes” discussing a research paper on “The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Barriers and Opportunities in the Egyptian National Action Plan.”
• A dialogue table titled “Justice for Women Amid Economic and Social Challenges,” attended by 84 representatives from NGOs, political parties, and lawyers.

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR):

• On May 1, 2025, the ECESR published a policy paper on International Workers’ Day, saluting Egypt’s workers for their continued struggle for their legitimate rights.
• On May 9, the ECESR organized a series of five sessions to discuss the updates to the new Labor Law and the key changes lawyers handling labor cases need to understand.
• On May 8, the ECESR announced an unprecedented advisory opinion from the State Commissioners Authority recognizing a prisoner’s wife right to undergo IVF treatment.
• On May 20, the ECESR held a legal workshop to discuss the Social Insurance Law No. 148 of 2019.

Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression

• On May 21, 2025, AFTE condemned the National Security Office at Cairo International Airport for stopping Mohamed Abdel Salam, the Executive Director of AFTE, early on May 20 upon his return from Berlin. He was held illegally for an hour at the airport, interrogated, and informed that his passport had been confiscated. It was later returned to him.

Joint Human Rights Activities:

• On May 20, 2025, a statement from human rights organizations, researchers, and lawyers focused on the right to housing proposed several amendments to the Old Rent Law in light of the constitutional ruling issued in November last year declaring the rent cap unconstitutional.
• On May 21, rights organizations condemned the in absentia sentencing of publisher and political dissident Hisham Kassem to six months in prison with labor and a fine of 20,000 EGP in a defamation case filed by the former Minister of Manpower.

Violations and Harassment:

Renewal of Detention

During this month, the detention of the following individuals was renewed:

• Okba Alaa Hashad and another person for 45 days.
• Journalist Mohamed Saad Khattab and another person for 45 days in different cases.
• Former police officer at Dekheila Police Station, Abdel-Gawad Mohamed Abdel-Gawad El-Sahlami, for 45 days in Case No. 717 of 2024, Supreme State Security.
• Sherif Mohamed Ali El-Rouby for 45 days in a State Security case, despite exceeding the maximum limit for pretrial detention.
• Labor activist Shady Mohamed and others for 45 days in cases related to solidarity with Palestine.
• 43 Egyptian fishermen for 45 days, for the fifth consecutive year, in Case No. 662 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
• Abdel Khalek Farouk for 45 days in Case No. 4937 of 2024, Supreme State Security.
• Ahmed Geika and 16 others for 45 days in different cases.
• Journalist Sayed Saber for 45 days in Case No. 6499 of 2024, Supreme State Security.
• Norhan El-Sayed Ahmed Deraz for 45 days in Case No. 3528 of 2024.

Judicial Rulings:

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights obtained rulings in favor of their clients:

• A ruling requiring Al-Fajr newspaper to compensate a journalist with more than 45,000 EGP for arbitrary dismissal.
• A ruling upholding the requirement for Misr for Comprehensive Development to compensate a Jordanian employee with over 245,000 EGP for arbitrary dismissal.
• A ruling requiring El-Hinnawy factory to compensate a worker with over 200,000 EGP for arbitrary dismissal.
• A ruling requiring El-Tariq newspaper to compensate a journalist with over 100,000 EGP for arbitrary dismissal.
• A ruling requiring Sa’id for Electrical Appliances to compensate an employee with over 330,000 EGP for arbitrary dismissal.
• The Cairo Economic Criminal Court issued a six-month prison sentence with hard labor and a fine of 20,000 EGP against politician Hisham Kassem, in addition to a temporary civil compensation of 40,000 EGP, after convicting him of “insult, defamation, and disturbing the former Minister of Manpower.”

Trials:

• On May 5, 2025, the 7th Circuit of the Administrative Judiciary Court postponed the hearing of Case No. 50165 of Judicial Year 79, filed by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights on behalf of activist Mohamed Adel, appealing the negative decision to prevent him from taking the Public Law diploma exams at the Faculty of Law, Mansoura University. The session was adjourned to June 1 to receive the report from the State Commissioners Authority.
• On May 14, the Cairo Terrorism Criminal Court held the first session of the trial of Huda Abdel Moneim, cassation lawyer and former member of the National Council for Human Rights. She arrived at the court in an ambulance, and the court adjourned the case to July 14 to allow the defense to prepare.

Victories

• On April 26, 2025, the State Security Prosecution ordered the release of activist Ahmed Douma on bail of 10,000 EGP in Case No. 2563 of 2025, Supreme State Security, after he was accused of spreading false news domestically and abroad.
• On May 25, the State Security Prosecution ordered the release of media personality and journalist Rasha Kandil on bail of 50,000 EGP in Case No. 4196 of 2025, Supreme State Security, in which she was accused of broadcasting false news and information domestically and abroad.