/ / EGYPT: ACTIVIST DENIED HEALTHCARE AMID UNJUST TRIAL

EGYPT: ACTIVIST DENIED HEALTHCARE AMID UNJUST TRIAL

UA: Second 1.26

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Egyptian human rights activist and translator Marwa Arafa has been arbitrarily detained for over six years solely in relation to her human rights work, including supporting families of individuals detained for political reasons. Marwa Arafa has been separated from her daughter, now eight years old, since her arrest on April 20, 2020. In December 2024, the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) referred Marwa Arafa to trial on unfounded terrorism related charges. Her next hearing in front of the Cairo Criminal Court is scheduled for October 17, 2026, amid concerns over violations of her fair trial rights, including her right to adequate defense. Marwa Arafa’s health has seriously deteriorated in detention, yet she continues to be denied the specialized healthcare she needs.

The Egyptian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release her and drop all charges against her as they stem solely from her human rights work.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 30, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Egyptian authorities authorities
Send an email to the Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi using our email-writing tool
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

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Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by March 30, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Your Excellency,

I am concerned about the continued arbitrary detention and deteriorating health of human rights activist and translator Marwa Arafa. She has now been arbitrarily detained for over six years solely in relation to her peaceful human rights activism.

In December 2024, the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) referred Marwa Arafa to trial in front of the Cairo Criminal Court alongside 38 other defendants on unfounded terrorism-related charges. The charges against her stem solely from her human rights activism including support for families of individuals detained for political reasons. The proceedings against her have been marred by violations of her fair trial rights, including her right to adequate defense. Prison authorities in 10th of Ramadan prison have denied her access to her lawyer since May 2020. Despite the severe deterioration in Marwa Arafa’s health, the authorities have also failed to provide her with adequate healthcare.

I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Marwa Arafa and drop all charges against her, as she is detained solely for exercising her human rights. Pending her release, she must be held in conditions meeting international standards for the treatment of prisoners and granted access to her lawyer and adequate healthcare, including in outside hospitals if necessary.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

Marwa Arafa has spent more than 6 years in arbitrary detention linked to her human rights work. I call on @AlsisiOfficial to guarantee her immediate release, the dropping of all charges, and urgent access to adequate healthcare and her lawyer #UrgentActionNetworkAIUSA

Send a Tweet to @AlsisiOfficial

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi

Office of the President, Al Ittihadia Palace

Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt

Fax: +202 2391 1441

[email protected] @AlsisiOfficial

and

CC: Egyptian Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Motaz Zahran

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

3521 International Court, NW,

Washington DC 20008

[email protected] [email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Other Urgent Actions for this Case

First UA Issued: [Egypt 1.26]

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