Egypt : the International Commission of Jurists condemns the bomb attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh
The ICJ unequivocally condemns the bombings that rocked the city of Sharm al-Sheikh on Friday night, which left at least 64 people dead and hundreds of wounded, according to the latest official estimates.
“Indiscriminate attacks against civilians are totally prohibited under international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances”, said Nicholas Howen, ICJ Secretary-General. “Perpetrators of such killings against civilians have to be brought to justice, in full compliance with international human rights law”, he added.
However, in view of the large number of reportedly arbitrary arrests that took place after previous attacks, such as the bombing in Taba in October 2004 and the bombing in the Cairo Bazaar in April 2005, the ICJ recalls in particular that human rights law forbids arbitrary, secret or incommunicado detention, as well as torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. As the authorities have already started arresting suspects, it is crucial to respect such human rights obligations and to try perpetrators of such attacks in ordinary courts that respect fair trial standards.
The ICJ expresses its condolences to the relatives and families of the victims of the bombings.
Egypt: Wave of arrests following terrorist attacks in Cairo
Following the terrorist attacks in Cairo on 30 April 2005, the Egyptian authorities reportedly arrested and detained around 200 people from the villages of origin of the alleged perpetrators. The alleged instigator of the attacks reportedly died in custody, raising...Swedish police tolerated ill-treatment of two Egyptians by US agents
An official investigation conducted by the Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman concluded that the Swedish Police, when witnessing the transfer to Egypt of two Egyptians by US agents, tolerated inhuman and degrading treatment of these detainees. The two individuals were...Egypt: Taba bombing followed by mass arrests and torture
The Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights, ICJ affiliate in Egypt, undertook a fact-finding mission to Arish and documented the arrest of 3,000 people since the Taba bombings that took place last October. The report also documents serious allegations of torture...Recent News
Türkiye: ICJ and other organizations call on EU to respond to escalating crackdown on rule of law15 May 2025
Africa: Persons with Disabilities Push for Inclusive and Accessible Justice Systems15 May 2025
Nepal: Ensure Credible Transitional Justice Appointments13 May 2025
South Africa: Constitutional Court’s affirmation that principles of judicial independence are fully applicable to military courts is a welcome step forward09 May 2025