Torture in Egypt: Part 2–Confess to Murder

Posted on January 10, 2007

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Trying to get a murder confession from a woman suspect. What are the parameters of Islamic behavior at work whether you are a policeman or not? What are the responsibilities of the authorities and leaders responsible for those administering this type of torture?

Torture Epidemic in Egypt

Reported Deaths in Custody owing to Torture and Ill-Treatment, 2002
Source: Human Rights Watch Report

Torture in Egypt is a widespread and persistent phenomenon. Security forces and the police routinely torture or ill-treat detainees, particularly during interrogation. In most cases, officials torture detainees to obtain information and coerce confessions, occasionally leading to death in custody. In some cases, officials use torture detainees to punish, intimidate, or humiliate. Police also detain and torture family members to obtain information or confessions from a relative, or to force a wanted relative to surrender.

While torture in Egypt has typically been used against political dissidents, in recent years it has become epidemic, affecting large numbers of ordinary citizens who find themselves in police custody as suspects or in connection with criminal investigations. The Egyptian authorities do not investigate the great majority of allegations of torture despite their obligation to do so under Egyptian and international law. In the few cases where officers have been prosecuted for torture or ill-treatment, charges were often inappropriately lenient and penalties inadequate. This lack of effective public accountability and transparency has led to a culture of impunity

Here is a sample of the people who died while in police custody in 2002 due to torture and ill-treatment. Please click here to read the remainder of the Human Rights Watch report on torture in Egypt.

Name & Age Date of Detention Date of Death in Custody Place of Detention Actions Taken Source
Sayyid Khalifa `Issa, 24 January 26, 2002 Unknown Nasr City police station 2 officers sentenced to 3 years in prison on August 8, 2002; 2 others acquitted; 4 officers received one year suspended sentences and 1000 L.E fines EOHR annual report
Ahmad Taha Yusif, 42 February 23, 2002 February 23, 2002 al-Wayli police station Case referred to Cairo Criminal Court July 11, 2002 EOHR annual report
Midhat Fahmy `Ali, 35 March 10, 2002 March 10, 2002 al-Gumruk police station Pending charges against one police officer for cruelty EOHR annual report
Muhammad Mahmud `Uthman, 25 May 27, 2002 May 28, 2002 Masr al-Qadima police station Complaints filed by family & EOHR EOHR annual report
Mustafa Labib Abu Zaid, 25 Was already in prison July 3, 2002 Shubra police station Complaints filed by family & EOHR EOHR annual report
Muhammad Muhammad Shahin, 44 June 18, 2002 July 8, 2002 Wadi al-Natrun 430 prison EOHR annual report
Nabih Muhammad `Ali Shahin, 33 June 18, 2002 July 8, 2002 Wadi al-Natrun 430 prison EOHR annual report
Ibrahim `Umar Mustafa, 29 August 8, 2002 August 10, 2002 Giza police station Complaints filed by family & EOHR EOHR annual report
Shibl Bayumi Ibrahim, 32 September 11, 2002 Unknown Tanta Security Directorate Family & EOHR complaints EOHR annual report
Ahmad Khalil Ibrahim, 35 October 1, 2002 October 4, 2002 al-Gumruk police station Family & EOHR complaints EOHR annual report
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Posted in: Balance vs Extremism, Ethics & Morals, Islam