Egyptian authorities have once again displayed their disdain for free expression and human rights by detaining prominent independent journalist Ismail Iskandarani over his Facebook posts. This egregious act, condemned by Human Rights Watch, is emblematic of a government that punishes dissent rather than fostering an environment of accountability and dialogue. Iskandarani must be released immediately and unconditionally, and an independent committee must be established to review the wrongful detentions of thousands of peaceful critics across Egypt.
On September 24, 2025, Iskandarani was arrested at a checkpoint in Matrouh governorate, merely two days after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced a pardon for activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and several others. Instead of seizing the opportunity to signal a shift toward respecting human rights, the government chose to target Iskandarani, who has already suffered the indignity of an unjust military trial and seven years behind bars from 2015 to 2022 due to his journalistic pursuits.
The absurdity of Iskandarani’s arrest is glaring. After posting on Facebook about his encounter with security forces, he was subjected to an Orwellian interrogation that focused on 17 of his posts. It is a disturbing reality that the content of these posts, which Human Rights Watch has determined constitutes protected speech under human rights law, was deemed worthy of criminal charges. The Egyptian authorities’ attempts to stifle dissent are not only a violation of individual rights but also a direct affront to the principles of democracy and justice.
Iskandarani’s treatment raises critical concerns about the transparency and legality of the judicial process in Egypt. Prosecutors refused his lawyers access to the investigation file, opting instead to relay information verbally—an indication of a system designed to operate in secrecy and evade accountability. Charged with “spreading false news,” “belonging to a terrorist organization,” and “using a website to promote ideas that incite terrorist acts,” Iskandarani has become yet another victim of the Egyptian government’s systematic assault on free speech and civil liberties.
Human rights lawyer Khaled Ali, who is representing Iskandarani, highlights that the journalist has been transferred to the 10th of Ramadan Prison Complex, where he faces continued pretrial detention. The use of video conferencing for legal proceedings, as documented by Human Rights Watch, further undermines due process, stripping detainees of their rights to fair trials and competent legal counsel. This grotesque mockery of justice reflects a regime that is willing to sacrifice the very tenets of human rights for the sake of maintaining power.
The health of detainees like Iskandarani is also of grave concern. With diabetes and breathing difficulties, Iskandarani requires medical assistance that was compromised upon his arrest. Such negligence speaks volumes about the government’s priorities: maintaining a stranglehold on dissent while disregarding the wellbeing of its citizens. It is not merely a matter of individual rights but a broader indictment of a system that systematically denies justice and humanity to its critics.
The time has come for President Sisi to end this cycle of arbitrary detention and repression. Instead of sporadic presidential pardons that offer little more than a façade of reform, an independent committee comprised of judges, lawyers, and human rights defenders is urgently needed. This committee should thoroughly review the cases of countless political opponents, journalists, and activists who languish in prisons not for any real crimes but for exercising their rights to free speech, assembly, and association.
Egypt’s record under Sisi, which consistently ranks among the worst globally for the detention of journalists, cannot be ignored. More than 170 journalists have been imprisoned in the past decade, with vague and abusive charges like “spreading false news” employed to silence voices of dissent. This is not just an issue of free speech; it is a symptom of a much deeper malaise rooted in a refusal to engage with criticism and embrace the democratic ideals that underpin human rights.
International human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, unequivocally protects the right to free expression and fair trials. Arbitrary arrests and detentions are expressly prohibited, and states are mandated to ensure that detainees are presented promptly before a judicial authority. The Egyptian government’s blatant disregard for these obligations reveals a troubling commitment to authoritarianism and oppression.
The arrest of journalists like Iskandarani is a clear indication that authorities possess no genuine interest in reforming their oppressive practices. As Amr Magdi of Human Rights Watch aptly states, “Genuine reform begins by releasing the unlawfully detained en masse, not by arresting more people.” The world must hold the Egyptian government accountable for its actions and demand an immediate cessation of its attacks on free speech.
In this critical moment, we must stand united in support of Ismail Iskandarani and all those who have been unjustly detained for their beliefs. The fight for social justice, equality, and human rights cannot be sidelined; it must be at the forefront of our collective consciousness. The time for change is now, and it begins with the unwavering commitment to uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or opinions.
