Tawfiq Ghanem
Veteran Egyptian Journalist, Media Executive, and member of the International Press Institute
Arrest: On May 21, 2021 security forces raided the home of journalist Tawfiq Ghanem and arrested him. He was forcibly disappeared for five days before being brought before the Supreme State Security Prosecution in Cairo.
Violations: Deprivation of Liberty
Case/cases info
- Charges: “spreading false news,” “misusing social media,” and “joining a terrorist group” in Case 238/2021.
- The 67-year-old journalist has faced multiple health issues while detained, but has not been taken to any outside hospitals for treatment, despite the prison doctor recommending he be transferred to an outside hospital
- Ghanem suffers from diabetes, neuritis in his legs and knees, lower back problems, and an enlarged prostate that requires ongoing specialist treatment in a properly equipped medical facility.
- Throughout his more than 30-year career, Tawfik Ghanem has headed a number of media organizations, including Media International, which ran the Islam Online website for ten years. Most recently, he served as regional director of the Anadolu Agency in Cairo until his retirement in 2015.
- Police interrogated Ghanem about his political views, his work with Anadolu, and its coverage of Egyptian politics but presented no evidence against him related to the charges.
Violations
Deprivation of Liberty, Medical Negligence, Enforced Disappearance
Detention Conditions:
Tawfiq was held in the Tora Prison Complex until December 30, 2021 when he was transferred to Abu Zaabal Prison. Throughout his detention, he has been held in poor conditions which have affected his health. His family has reported that he has looked very ill and lost significant weight after suffering from the high temperatures and lack of ventilation in his cell, exacerbating his medical conditions.
Social media suggested post:
Ahead of #COP27, we call on #Egypt to release veteran journalist Tawfiq Ghanem, arbitrarily detained since 2021 due to his work as a journalist @copcivicspace
#FreeCivicSpace #FreeThemAll
https://bit.ly/3hfJVYj
How Can you help Be Bart Of The Change
Ahead of COP27
Open Civic Space and Release Everyone Arbitrarily Detained in Egypt
Be Part of the Campaigns
Share & Retweet our publishing or Get in Touch with us
Raise your Voice
Call for the release of prisoners of conscience in Egypt.