1. Political:

Introduction:

October 2026 witnessed notable activity, particularly during the second half of the month, which was a direct result of statements made by President Sisi regarding his commitment to the Constitution, specifically, not tampering with the presidential term limits, as well as his remarks concerning the deployment of Egyptian forces to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Those statements sparked significant political engagement, involving not only political parties but also the general public.

1. Mostaqbal Watan (Nation’s Future) Party:

The party has continued to prioritize service-oriented activities, whether as a strategic approach to gain supporters or as a genuine core philosophy.

• A delegation from the General Secretariat of the party has toured several governorates, including Matrouh, Sohag, and Alexandria.
• Additionally, the party issued several statements in support of official state policy.

2. Humat Al-Watan (Defenders of the Nation) Party:

This party has intensified its service-oriented activities across various governorates as well, while consistently affirming its support for the policies of the President. For Example:

• On October 8, the party entered into a cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Health to organize free medical convoys across the country.
• On October 14, the party organized a free medical convoy in the Daqahlia, which included the distribution of medication to patients at no cost.
• On October 21, the party issued a statement rejecting the Libyan Parliament ratification of a memorandum of understanding between Libya and Turkey regarding the demarcation of maritime borders.
• On October 22, the party held an educational seminar in Cairo titled “Promoting Health Awareness.”

3. The National Front Party:

Continuing the pattern typical of parties aligned with, or created by, the regime, the party has intensified its service-oriented activities, while its engagement with political developments remained limited.

• October 12: The party issued a statement condemning what it had termed the “Dutch position in support of the Muslim Brotherhood”, following the arrest of an Egyptian national, Ahmed Nasser, who had been heading toward the Egyptian embassy alongside a group of young people.
• October 13: The party expressed its solidarity with the (KSA) and condemned the attacks targeting the Kingdom, stating that the security of the Kingdom was an integral part of the regional security, as well as highlighted the deep historical ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

4. The Justice Party (Al-Adl Party):

The party has significantly engaged with both domestic and regional political developments, while continuing its developmental and cultural activities to connect with the public.

• October 11: The party declared its full solidarity with the leadership and people of KSA, affirming its support for the Kingdom against any threats to its security or stability.
• October 15: The party organized a seminar titled “The Never-Ending ‘Temporary’: Temporary Employment in Egypt—Between Labor Market Realities and Legal Protection.”

The discussion addressed the conditions of temporary and informal workers, as well as the challenges surrounding their legal and social protection.

• On October 20, the party organized a seminar to discuss the challenges facing entrepreneurs and startups.

The seminar addressed the legal difficulties involved in establishing startups, high startup costs, and the necessity of connecting with investors to transform ideas into actual projects.

• On October 22, the youth wing of the party held a discussion forum titled “Gen Z’s Vision for Participation in Public Life.”

5. The Conservative Party:

The party has continued its opposition to government policy, consistently articulating its stance on political developments in Egypt and the broader region, while also attempting to propose alternatives to current policies.

• On October 12, the party issued a statement regarding the President’s objection to Article 25 of the draft law on the “Kayan” (Entity) University. The statement outlined the party’s broader reservations about the draft law—specifically the delegation of civic education to military institutions and a lack of transparency, as the bill grants the Minister of Defense absolute powers.
• On October 22, the party discussed the President’s remarks concerning the requirements for presidential candidacy and the constitutional issues they raise, though it did not announce a definitive position.

6. The Egyptian Social Democratic Party:

Throughout the month, the party has focused on preparations for its general conference.

It has also engaged with local, regional, and international political developments, issuing numerous statements clarifying its position on various arising issues.

• October 20: The Foreign Relations Committee of the party issued a statement expressing solidarity with the campaign of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and defending the integrity of the election; the statement also expressed solidarity with the campaign in the face of restrictions imposed upon it by Meta.

7. Al-Dostour Party (The Constitution Party):

The party has remained actively engaged with domestic and regional political developments and participated in joint activities with other opposition parties.

• October 4: The party issued a statement regarding the postponement of the implementation of the Criminal Procedure Law, noting that this delay offers an opportunity to revisit the legislation, aiming to safeguard rights and freedoms while preserving the positive aspects already present in the law.
• October 15: The party issued a statement welcoming the President’s remarks confirming that the Constitution would not be altered.
• October 19: The party issued a statement opposing military intervention in the ongoing conflict between Yemen and KSA, warning against becoming entangled in conflicts between brotherly nations.
• October 20: The party called for the release of all opinion prisoners, coinciding with the launch of the “Egypt Forum” conference.

8. The Bread and Freedom Party (under formation):

The party has continued to advocate for the release of political prisoners and supported the labor movement, as well as participated in activities alongside other opposition parties.

• October 3: The party expressed its solidarity with the families of those held in prisons and detention centers, amid reports of protests and strikes taking place within Egypt detention and penal facilities.
• October 22: The party issued a statement rejecting the deployment of Egyptian troops to KSA, urging the Egyptian state to instead act as a mediator between the parties to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means.

9. Al-Karama Party:

The party has continued to develop its organizational structure and remained actively engaged with political developments through its leadership and cadres.

It has also participated in joint activities with numerous opposition parties. In addition, the party has announced the launch of a periodical to serve as its voice, and a pilot issue has been released under the title “October 8 Magazine: Questions After the Deluge.”

10. Socialist Popular Alliance Party:

The party has engaged with the political debate surrounding statements made by President Sisi regarding the decision not to amend the constitution and not to send Egyptian troops to KSA.

• On October 16, the party announced that it had received a Facebook notification stating that its page, “Darb,” had been removed for “violating community standards regarding dangerous organizations and individuals”; a move linked to content supporting Palestine and the resistance.

11. Revolutionary Socialists Movement:

The movement has continued to utilize its outreach channels to disseminate information suppressed by state-controlled media, particularly concerning prisoners of conscience.

• On October 11, the movement expressed its solidarity with protests taking place in several Egyptian prisons, ignited by the postponement of the Criminal Procedure Law which crashed all hopes by the prisoners of their release.
• On October 18, the movement declared its opposition to the deployment of Egyptian troops to KSA for its war in Yemen, condemning what it had described as the exploitation of the lives of Egyptian soldiers.
• October 20: The movement announced its rejection of any constitutional amendments, as well as criticized the lack of information regarding the statements made by President Sisi over the previous few days.

2. Labor and Professional Syndicates:

1. Professional Syndicates

1. The Lawyers Syndicate:

• On October 4, the syndicate organized a training session on remote litigation in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law No. 174 of 2025; a law of which implementation had been postponed for one year.
• On October 5, the syndicate President Abdel Halim Allam announced that the syndicate had filed complaints with the Public Prosecution regarding financial irregularities within certain local branches of the syndicate.
• On October 20, Allam stated that the Bar Association had withdrawn from parliamentary proceedings in protest against several articles in the draft Criminal Procedure Law, stating that the syndicate had engaged in battles within Parliament to safeguard the rights of lawyers. Allam’s remarks came against the backdrop of the one-year postponement of the implementation of the Criminal Procedure Law, as well as criticism from lawyers regarding the stance of the syndicate on the legislation.

2. The Journalists Syndicate:

• The Journalist Syndicate has issued a statement regarding the arrest of 6 journalists from the “Matsadash” (Don’t Believe It) platform. The statement affirmed that the Syndicate Council remains in permanent session to monitor the situation of the 6 journalists, who were arrested between September 28 and 29 in connection with their journalistic work.
• On October 11, the Freedoms Committee of the Syndicate organized a discussion forum regarding legislation to prohibit imprisonment in cases related to journalistic publication. Participants examined the impact that the absence of such a law has on journalistic work and the freedom of journalists. This initiative was part of the ongoing efforts by the Syndicate to defend the rights of journalists and to strengthen the legislative environment for protecting freedom of expression and professional independence.
• On October 13, the Syndicate expressed its full solidarity with journalists Abu Al-Maati Zaki, Ahmed Abdel Basset, and Mohamed El-Mahdi, following the filing of complaints against them by the coach of the Egyptian national team, Hossam Hassan, over their publication of information concerning sports-related matters. The Syndicate reaffirmed the right of journalists to carry out their professional duties freely and responsibly.
• On October 22, the Syndicate announced its support for national efforts to protect sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. It expressed its full backing for the Egyptian position, which rejects the Libyan Parliament’s ratification of an agreement on maritime borders with Turkey, and called for all necessary measures to be taken to safeguard Egypt’s sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, in accordance with international law.

3. The Engineers Syndicate:

• On October 6, the Scientific Committee of the Syndicate organized a specialized seminar titled “Nuclear and Radiological Activities in Egypt: Origins and Development”, where participants reviewed the historical evolution of nuclear and radiological activities in Egypt, as well as the various stages the Egyptian nuclear program has undergone.
• On October 17, during the celebration of the Syndicate of the October Victory, the head of the Syndicate remarked that the removal of the sand barrier of the Bar-Lev Line during the 1973 October War remains one of the most prominent testaments to the ingenuity of the Egyptian engineer.

4. The Medical Syndicate:

• The Syndicate extended its congratulations to South African judge and human rights advocate Navi Pillay, on the occasion of her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, expressing its appreciation for her human rights career, her role in defending human rights, as well as her commitment to the values ​​of justice and human dignity.
• On October 13, the Syndicate hosted an event at its headquarters, Dar Al-Hikmah, to launch a guidebook aimed at countering the “medicalization” of female genital mutilation (FGM); an effort to combat this harmful practice, as well as protect girls from its associated health and psychological risks.
• On October 23, the Syndicate held its ordinary general assembly, which resulted in several resolutions, most significantly, the requirement to submit a high school diploma (or its equivalent) as part of the documentation needed for registration with the Syndicate, effective next year.

5. The Nursing Syndicate:

• On October 14, the head of the Syndicate, Kawthar Mahmoud, stated that “a shortage of nursing staff and the emigration of skilled professionals is among the most significant challenges facing healthcare systems globally.” She emphasized the need for genuine and sustainable political support for the nursing profession, as well as the inclusion of nurses in the development of health strategies, decision-making processes, and leadership roles.
• On October 22, the Syndicate honoured 5 nurses from Al-Hawamdia General Hospital for their integrity, as they had successfully safeguarded a sum of L.E. 55,000 that a patient had in their possession upon admission to the hospital while unconscious.

2. Labor Unions

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

• On October 5, CTUWS issued a statement condemning the charges brought against journalists from the “Matsadash” (Don’t Believe It) platform during a 12-hour interrogation, including joining a terrorist organization and disseminating false news, noting that leveling criminal accusations against journalists raised grave concerns regarding press freedom.
• CTUWS has also issued a statement of solidarity with workers at Maspero (the state broadcasting complex) who had not received their due payments, a group numbering 8,000, according to a complaint they had filed, pointing out that such crisis has been accumulating over years of ignoring the financial rights of the workers.
• On October 11, CTUWS warned of the layoff of thousands of workers in the electrical and home appliance sector, describing it as one of the largest “waves of workforce reduction” the sector has ever witnessed.
• On October 15, the General Coordinator of CTUWS, Kamal Abbas, stated that informal labor accounts for more than 60% of the job market, calling for a re-evaluation of how labor relations are regulated in Egypt, in order to ensure the protection of the rights of the workers and to address the growing prevalence of precarious employment patterns.

2. The Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF):

Throughout the month, the ETUF has publicly announced activities limited to a statement praising remarks made by the President, and another statement commending a declaration by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar regarding the conflict between KSA and Yemen.

3. Land Transport Syndicate:

• On October 13, the Syndicate signed a cooperation protocol with Mitsubishi Elevators, aiming to train students and graduates, qualifying them for work in the fields of elevators and escalators.
• On October 19, the Syndicate organized a training course, focused on enhancing the competencies of labor and development leaders affiliated with the “Leaders, Administrative Sciences, and Development Foundation”, at the headquarters of the General Syndicate for Land Transport.

3. The Human Rights Movement

1. Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Institutions

1. The National Council for Human Rights: (NCHC)

• On October 1, NCHC held a round-table discussion on “Aligning the National Human Rights Strategy, with International Environmental Standards”, with the participation of experts and representatives from relevant stakeholders.

The head of NCHC also participated in several events, including:

• A roundtable discussion on “Agenda 2063 for Africa,” organized by ECOSOC in collaboration with the Maat Foundation and Partners for Transparency.
• A training program focused on “Human Rights Awareness in Schools” in Giza, which engaged 26 teachers and specialists, as well as 150 students.
• On October 11, NCHC held a meeting with the General Egyptian Book Organization to discuss its potential participation in the 2027 Cairo International Book Fair.

2. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR)

• EIPR has condemned the arrest and enforced disappearance of 6 members of the editorial team behind the “Matsadash” (Don’t Believe It) Matsadash, and documented the detention of journalist Mohamed Ashraf Abu Omaira, noting that the journalists had reported to the Supreme State Security Prosecution that they had been subjected to torture and coerced into making confessions.
• On October 7, EIPR issued a 10-point human rights commentary refuting a statement previously released by the Public Prosecution.
• On October 12, EIPR condemned the arrest of 6 young Christian men in Menia over a satirical video.
• On October 19, EIPR submitted a request for the conditional release of writer Ahmed Douma.
• On October 22, it announced that Lina Atallah, editor-in-chief of the news outlet “Mada Masr,” had been referred to trial on charges of operating a website without a license.

3. The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF)

• On September 29, a lawyer for ECRF filed a formal complaint against the director of the Damietta Security Forces, following the transfer of citizen Farag Mohamed Abdullah to a security camp instead of his acquittal, even though a court ruling for his acquittal had been release, while monitoring the investigation into him in connection with a new case of no. 620 of 2025 at Gamassa Prison.
• ECRF has released a bulletin titled “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship.”

4. The Center for Trade Union and Workers’ Services (CTUWS)

• On October 5, CTUWS condemned the accusations leveled against the content creators of the “Matsadash” (Don’t Believe It) platform.
• On October 6, CTUWS welcomed the referral of the parliament of a draft amendment to the law regarding drug testing for employees.
• CTUWS has called for the disbursement of end-of-service gratuities owed to Maspero (state television) workers since 2020.

5. The New Woman Foundation

• On October 1 and 4, the Foundation highlighted the issue of child labor in the arts and on social media, as well as the risks associated with the exploitation of “child influencers”
• On October 13, the Foundation issued a statement commending remarks by Navi Pillay regarding the genocide in Gaza.
• On October 14, the Foundation launched the “Before Their Time” campaign to address the phenomenon of child labor.

6. Masaar – Technology and Law Community:

• Episode 23 of the “Connect” podcast, produced by Masaar, discussed the crisis of mobile phone lines being registered without the owners’ knowledge, as well as the risks posed by facial recognition and biometric data.
• Masaar has also published a paper on the limits of authority and surveillance in the digital space, along with the legal criteria defining the offense of operating a website without a license.
• Furthermore, Masaar has submitted a legal brief challenging the constitutionality of Articles (6) and (105) of the Media Law (Law No. 180 of 2018).

7. The Egyptian Foundation for Women’s Issues (EFWI)

• EFWI has monitored the proceedings of the “Beit Fatem” case, including the postponement of hearings to allow for the submission of evidence regarding human trafficking and the protection of victims.
• On October 20, EFWI called for ending the World Bank’s role in the reconstruction of Gaza and prohibiting support channeled through the Gaza Reconstruction and Development (GRAD) fund.
• EFWI has also organized an awareness session for 20 women regarding the early detection of breast cancer.

8. Joint Human Rights Activities

• On October 9, human rights organizations expressed concern regarding protests within prisons and the practice of prolonged pretrial detention.
• On October 20, several organizations called for the conditional release of writer Ahmed Douma.
• On October 24, a group of organizations jointly condemned the referral of Lina Atallah to trial.

2. Violations and Harassment

1. Renewal of Pre-trial Detention:

• On October 4, Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed the detention of journalist Mohamed Haidar Qandil and others for 15 days in the “Shiite” case.
• On October 5, Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed the detention of Romani Gharib for 15 days.
• On October 13, Supreme State Security Prosecution renewed the detention of 6 journalists from the “Matsadash” (Don’t Believe It) platform for 15 days.
• On October 19, Cairo Criminal Court renewed the detention of Hany Sobhy, Ayman Abdel Rahman, Dr. Hassan Miftah, and Mohamed Rabie for 45 days, in connection with Facebook posts criticizing the government and supporting Palestine.
• On October 21, Cairo Criminal Court, Terrorism Chamber renewed the detention of lawyer Mohamed Abu Al-Diyar, coordinator of the Association for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience, for 45 days in Case No. 4502 of 2026, State Security.

2. Judicial Rulings

• On October 19, the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights, secured a labor-related ruling from North Giza Primary Court, ordering the newspaper “Al-Bawaba News” to pay compensation to a journalist following his arbitrarily dismissal. The compensation, totaling L.E. 293,000, covers damages and entitlements in minimum wage payments, in accordance with Law No. 14 of 2025.

3. Trials

• On September 29, Cairo Criminal Court, Terrorism Chamber postponed the case of photojournalist Hamdy Al-Zaeem and others to October 11 for closing arguments. Meanwhile, Cairo Criminal Court, Terrorism Chamber-II, held at Badr Prison Complex, continued to postpone approximately 20 other cases involving individuals held in pre-trial detention.
• October 11 and 12: postponing the trials of both journalists Hamdy Al-Zaeem and Mohamed Saeed Fahmy to December 13, as well as the trial of Ramadan Guwaida and Ashraf Omar to December 14.
• October 17 and 24: postponing the trials of Youssef Arafa and 38 other defendants to December 21, as well as the case filed by the Egyptian Center before the Administrative Judiciary regarding the Giza Pyramids to January 2, 2027.

4. Victories

• October 5, 2026: Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the acquittal of journalist Rasha Azab on a L.E. 10,000 bail of in Case No. 8025 of 2026, State Security.
• October 19: Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the acquittal of trade unionist and educator Dr. Mohamed Zahran, on bail of his place of residence, former judge and lawyer Essam Refaat, as well as journalist Lina Atallah, editor-in-chief of “Mada Masr,” on a L.E.100,000 bail of in Case No. 9072 of 2026, State Security.
• October 20: The Cairo Criminal Court, Terrorism Chamber-I ruled to acquitt “Sayed Mushagheb” and others in Case No. 7304 of 2026, Boulaq El-Dakrour, of charges of illegal gathering.