Egypt Authorities Accused of Complicity in Torture of Teenagers
Local Editor
A human rights group has accused Egyptian authorities of complicity in the torture and sexual abuse of teenagers jailed for attending peaceful anti-government protests.
The Geneva-based rights group, Alkarama, said on Friday through a statement that 52 youths aged between 15 and 18 were routinely harassed by prison security guards and military officers in Alexandria's Koum El Dekka prison.
Alkarama said the teenagers bore the "signs of torture" and their physical and mental health was degrading "in the appalling hygiene conditions in which they're detained".
The teenagers said they had been subject to electric shocks, including on their genitals, burns with cigarette butts and sometimes rape, while being hung by their hands for hours.
The teenagers also told their lawyers of regular harassment and ill-treatment, including attacks by prison dogs.
The rights organization also noted that it has already referred the case to the United Nations special rapporteur on torture.
"The attitude of the Egyptian judges and prison officers is inexcusable. The Egyptian authorities must stop this systematic and widespread practice of torture, which, because of its scope, could make them liable for prosecution for crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute [of the International Criminal Court]," said Alkarama legal director Rachid Mesli.
Egypt has been the scene of anti-government protests with continuous clashes between security forces and supporters of former President Mohamed Morsi since his ouster in July 2013.
The military-backed authorities in November last year passed a law banning all but police-sanctioned protests. Since then, hundreds of anti-government protesters have been jailed for staging demonstrations.
Source: Agencies
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