Egypt has faced numerous allegations of crimes against humanity. There have been reports of torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, police and National Security officers have been accused of torturing political detainees.
They have also been accused of employing brutal techniques such as beatings and electric shocks. This alarming increase in Egypt crimes against humanity has drawn attention and concern from international organisations and observers. As a result Egypt is one of the worst countries to abuse human rights.
One notable instance of such violations took place in 2013. Egyptian security forces were reported to have systematically and deliberately killed at least 1,150 demonstrators over two months. In addition, the ongoing conflict in the Sinai Peninsula led to Egyptian forces, and militants operating in the region, being accused of alleged war crimes. Despite mounting concerns, Egypt’s government and security forces avoided accountability for these alleged crimes against humanity.
Historical Perspective on Egypt Crimes Against Humanity
The ancient Egyptian society was built on principles of morality & religious virtue which affected the dynamics related to the crime and punishment of ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptian society was law-abiding but sometimes rules and ethics were broken and justice had to take its course in order to achieve harmony and balance.
Egypt Tours – Crime and punishment in Ancient Egypt.
Numerous Allegations
Egypt has faced numerous allegations of crimes against humanity. Particularly since the 2011 uprising that led to the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak. The country has witnessed significant political turmoil in the years that followed. Particularly during the short-lived presidency of Mohamed Morsy and under the subsequent rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
2016 Torture Allegations
In 2016, the country’s law enforcement agencies and National Security officers faced accusations of routinely torturing political detainees. And of using techniques that included beatings and electric shocks. This widespread practice under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime led some human rights organisations to label the abuses as crimes against humanity.
2013 Systematic Killings
In a separate incident in 2013, the Egyptian security forces were accused of systematically and deliberately killing at least 1,150 demonstrators. Human rights organisations claimed that these killings amounted to crimes against humanity. This event significantly marred Egypt’s international reputation. And it raised concerns about the ongoing pattern of human rights abuses in the country.
2011 Uprising
During the 2011 uprising that led to the toppling of Hosni Mubarak’s government, numerous allegations of crimes against humanity were exposed. The security forces and police were accused of using excessive force, arbitrary arrests, torture, and even extrajudicial killings.
2016-2018 Human Rights Violations
The years 2016 and 2018 saw continued state-sponsored human rights violations. There were numerous allegations of enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Even though Egypt has faced international criticism for these alleged crimes against humanity, the country’s leadership continued to assert its commitment to maintaining law and order. However, the ongoing pattern of human rights abuses has posed a significant challenge to the Egyptian government’s credibility. Also testing its ability to address the root causes of these violations.
Role of Security Forces
Egypt has faced significant allegations of human rights violations, in particular, crimes against humanity committed by its security forces. Egypt security forces include:
- the military,
- the army, and
- the police.
All of which have been accused of deploying excessive force and torture. This has led to serious concerns among international human rights organisations.
In 2013, Egypt security forces were accused of using excessive lethal force in response to protests, especially during the dispersal of the Rab’a sit-in. The violence escalated quickly as law enforcement officers struggled to control the situation, resulting in significant loss of life.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Regime
Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, instances of torture have been reported to be widespread and systematic. Some accounts detail how Egypt’s regular police and National Security officers routinely use severe techniques. Such as beatings and electric shocks, to coerce political detainees into providing information or confessing to crimes. These heinous acts are considered by many to constitute crimes against humanity.
President al-Sisi has overseen a year of abuses, with security forces enjoying almost total impunity. His administration introduced a series of laws that empowered law enforcement. It also limited the activities of civil society. Thus inciting criticism over the lack of accountability for violations committed by the military, the army, and the police.
While Egypt’s security forces are tasked with maintaining law and order, their actions have demonstrated a concerning disregard for human rights and legal processes. These violations have persisted over years, evoking a greater need for accountability and reform within the country’s security apparatus.
Rab’a Massacre
Additionally, the Rab’a massacre has been deemed a crime against humanity, where security forces violently suppressed protesters. In this incident, armed forces targeted makeshift medical facilities and positioned snipers to specifically target people attempting to enter or exit Rab’a hospital.
Justice and Impunity
Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regime, Egypt has faced allegations of crimes against humanity. Particularly relating to the use of torture by police and security forces. The abuses, which include beatings and electric shocks, were said to be widespread and systematic. This raised concerns among international human rights organisations.
Accountability
A key challenge to addressing crimes against humanity has been a lack of accountability and a prevailing culture of impunity. In 2018, it was noted that Egyptian authorities had failed to investigate or prosecute a single member of the security forces involved in the violent events at Rab’a square, where peaceful protesters were systematically killed by security forces. In 2018 the failure to act was still a concern five years later.
International organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have called for greater accountability in Egypt. One potential avenue to combat impunity and promote justice is using universal jurisdiction. Egypt’s representative to the UN said ongoing discussions were taking place in the country. They were to add serious crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, to national legislations.
ICC Role
It was said the International Criminal Court (ICC) could play a role in establishing the rule of law in Egypt. The ICC’s mandate focuses on prosecuting individuals for serious crimes, including crimes against humanity. It also allows victims to participate in judicial proceedings and apply for reparations.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of international mechanisms like the ICC in ensuring justice and addressing impunity in Egypt. Strong political will is required to provide the necessary support for the implementation of accountability mechanisms. As with all countries, Egypt must address issues within its own judicial system. This includes the use of military courts and disproportionate sentences handed down to peaceful protesters and activists.
Case Study
The case of blogger and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, sentenced with his lawyer to 5 years in prison for peacefully exercising their human right to free speech, highlight the need for reform.
Human Rights Violations
Systematic human rights abuses have occurred in Egypt over the years. The Egyptian security forces killing of 1,150 demonstrators in July and August 2013 highlighted the government’s disregard for basic human rights.
In addition to the killing of protesters, cases of arbitrary arrest and imprisonment have been reported many times. Security forces have detained countless individuals without proper due process, violating their right to fair trial and legal representation.
Furthermore, torture and other cruel treatments have become common in Egyptian prisons. Detainees have been subjected to various forms of abuse such as beatings, electric shocks, and degrading treatment. This brutal behavior is not limited to adults. Minors are often subjected to inhumane practices, further highlighting the government’s disregard for human rights.
Sexual violence and rape are also significant issues in Egypt’s human rights crisis. The degradation and humiliation of detainees through heinous acts reveals the extent to which security forces use these methods as tools of terror and repression.
Overall, Egypt’s human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Violations such as arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings of protesters have been rampant. The international community must continue to monitor and condemn these acts to promote greater protection for Egypt’s vulnerable citizens.
Actions of the Government
Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian government has been involved in multiple cases of human rights abuses. The regular police and National Security officers in Egypt have been known to routinely torture political detainees. These abuses have been noticed by international organisations who have called for the Egyptian authorities to be held accountable.
Suppression and Lack of Willingness
In Cairo, there have been numerous instances where the government suppressed protests and demonstrations. One such incident was the Rab’a Massacre, where the Egyptian police and army methodically opened fire on protesters, resulting in numerous casualties. This event has been classified as a crime against humanity by human rights organisations.
The regime, led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who was the defense minister at the time, has also shown no genuine willingness to address the deep-rooted human rights crisis in the country. Despite the launch of a National Human Rights Strategy in 2021, Egyptian authorities continued to stifle freedoms and commit crimes under international law.
The Interior Ministry of Egypt has been implicated in many of these human rights abuses, including the routine torture of political detainees. Furthermore, both Egyptian government forces and militants were accused of committing war crimes, by Human Rights Watch in 2019, in the Sinai Peninsula, which included abuses against civilians.
Takeaway
The actions of the Egyptian government under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have raised serious concerns about human rights abuses and crimes against humanity. The regime’s continued denial and lack of accountability have been widely criticised, and international organisations continue to call for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.
Response from the International Community
The international community has expressed concerns over the alleged crimes against humanity committed in Egypt, particularly during the 2013 Rab’a killings. Organisations and entities such as the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union have been monitoring the situation and calling for measures to address these serious human rights violations.
United Nations
The United Nations has been active in addressing the issue of crimes against humanity in Egypt. The sixth committee convened sessions to discuss the matters. It emphasised the importance of upholding international law and preventing the abuse of human rights. By addressing and bringing attention to these issues, the UN is playing a vital role in promoting accountability and justice for victims.
United States
The United States has also voiced its concerns regarding Egypt’s human rights situation. While maintaining a strategic partnership with the country, US officials have continuously called for a comprehensive review of the incidents and the implementation of policies to prevent the recurrence of such events. The efforts of the United States play a crucial role in highlighting the issue – calling on Egyptian authorities to take necessary action.
European Union
The European Union, as a collective body of countries, has expressed its commitment to upholding human rights and international law. The EU has issued statements condemning Egypt’s alleged crimes against humanity and urged the Egyptian government to cooperate with relevant international bodies to ensure the delivery of justice and the protection of human rights.
International Law
International law and universal jurisdiction stipulate grave violations of human rights, such as crimes against humanity, must be addressed and prosecuted. Not only do these provisions offer a legal framework for international entities to act upon, but they also serve as a reminder to the Egyptian government of their responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these acts.
Takeaway
Organisations and countries within the international community are actively monitoring the situation in Egypt and taking steps to confront the alleged crimes against humanity. By urging the country to abide by international law, implement necessary measures to uphold human rights, and cooperate with relevant authorities, the international community demonstrates a commitment to addressing and preventing such atrocities in the future.
Final Thoughts – Influence on Civil Society
Egypt has faced significant challenges to its civil society, particularly regarding crimes against humanity. Various entities, including protesters, activists, journalists, family members, civilians, and Christians protesting, have been impacted by these crimes.
Unprecedented Attacks
The unprecedented attacks by authorities on civil society in Egypt have led to numerous activists and workers from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) being detained and ill-treated. Many have been charged with offenses under the draconian Counter-terrorism law. While others faced judicial requests to ban them from travel and freeze their assets. This systematic targeting has resulted in a significant reduction in freedom of speech and human rights’ advocacy in the country, affecting both individuals and organisations.
Journalistic Silencing
Journalists have not been spared from the crackdown. They face harassment, threats, and even imprisonment for covering issues related to human rights and democracy. These actions not only serve to silence voices of dissent but also restrict access to information, thereby impacting the broader society.
Excessive Force, Harassment and Threats
The Egyptian government’s response to various protests, including those led by Christians and civilians, has been marked by excessive use of force, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths. This violent approach has intimidated potential protesters and further stifled public discourse.
Considering these challenges, families and communities are also experiencing the repercussions of the government’s policies. Relatives of detained activists often face harassment and threats, causing emotional and psychological strain. Furthermore, the crackdown on civil society has resulted in the closure of several essential NGOs, including the Al Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of victims of violence and torture which has left many victims without necessary support and treatment.
The overall influence of crimes against humanity in Egypt extends beyond the government’s actions against specific groups, permeating all levels of society. As dissenters and marginalised communities face persecution, civil society faces an increasingly challenging landscape in which to operate and advocate for human rights and democracy.
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