Today at the courthouse in the police academy in the Torah prison complex, Hosam was renewed for another 45 days by Judge Shaaban al-Shami, who presides over the criminal court circuit 15. Al-Shami is known for the mass death sentences he ruled on in 2015.
Lawyers were surprised to find out Hosam was not brought to the courthouse and the renewal decision was conducted without him present, even though lawyers objected. A detainment extension in absentia is in violation of Egyptian law. This was particularly concerning to the family as they will remain in the dark about Hosam’s conditions for 90 days as all visit requests continue to be denied.
After 191 days, Hosam has yet to be provided with the charges against him. In addition to the excessive pretrial detention, which is in violation of international law, Hosam and Ola’s most basic human rights have been stripped including prevention of any privileged communication with lawyers or visits by family.
The family calls upon the Egyptian government to unconditionally and immediately release Ola and Hosam.
For more information:
freeolahosam@gmail.com
www.freeolaandhosam.org
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