(b) JUA 08/01/2015 Case No. EGY 1/2015 State reply: 20/02/2015
Allegation concerning the arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, and public humiliation and stigmatisation of 26 men tried on charges related to their alleged sexual orientation.
118. The Rapporteur takes note of the information provided by the Government that all 26 individuals detained and tried were twice acquitted of the charges against them. In spite of the information supplied by the Government, its reply denies the allegation of ill-treatment of these detainees but fails provide any details as to how the investigation was conducted. Similarly, the reply does not address the larger question of whether persons in Egypt are treated in humiliating manner when detained and investigated about their real or alleged homosexuality, or the forced anal examinations these individuals were allegedly subjected to at the time of their arrest. In this context, the Rapporteur would like to remind the Government of the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, whether physical or mental, as codified in article 1 of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), which Egypt signed on 25 June 1986.
119. The Rapporteur calls on the Government of Egypt to undertake a prompt, independent, and effective investigation into the allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of the 26 men leading to the prosecution and punishment of the perpetrators, provide full redress to the victims and their family members, and undertake effective measures to prevent the recurrence of these acts. The Rapporteur expects to be kept fully informed of the outcome of the investigation and proceedings.
Link to full text of the report: Report-SRTorture-Communications and replies-2016-eng-fra-esp
Link to Special Rapporteur’s correspondence with the State: Correspondence-SR-Egypt-1-2015-eng
Link to the State’s reply: Correspondence-SR-Egypt-1-reply-2015-eng