Egypt: Human rights activist faces unjust terrorist trial

Marwa Arafa unjust detention has lasted nearly six years, as Egyptian authorities continue to hold the human rights activist and translator solely for her peaceful activism and support for families of detainees.

Marwa Arafa, an Egyptian human rights activist and translator, has been arbitrarily detained for almost six years in connection with her peaceful human rights work, including supporting relatives of people held in detention. In December 2024, the Supreme State Security Prosecution referred her case to trial before the Cairo Criminal Court on unfounded charges of joining and financing a terrorist organization.

Security forces arrested Marwa Arafa from her apartment in Cairo on April 20, 2020, without presenting an arrest warrant. She was then subjected to enforced disappearance for 14 days. Her arrest took place in front of her two-year-old daughter, causing the child severe psychological trauma.

Marwa Arafa’s health has significantly deteriorated in prison. Despite her worsening condition, authorities have consistently denied her access to adequate medical care.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Public Prosecutor urging him to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release Marwa Arafa and drop all charges against her, as she is detained solely for exercising her human rights.
• Pending her release, hold her in conditions that meet international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
• Ensure she has access to adequate healthcare, including treatment in outside hospitals if needed, as well as regular contact with her family and lawyers.

Her human rights work and family impact

Marwa Arafa is a translator and human rights defender. She supported families of people detained for political reasons. She helped cover the costs of prison visits. She also spoke out for children’s rights.

Marwa Arafa unjust imprisonment has deeply harmed her family. Police arrested her in front of her two-year-old daughter. Her daughter was later diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Marwa Arafa’s detention has deprived her child of her mother’s daily care and support.

Years of detention and fair trial violations

Marwa Arafa first appeared before the terrorism circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court on July 6, 2025. This came after more than five years of arbitrary pre-trial detention. According to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, the court delayed the hearing to October 18, 2025. The delay allowed lawyers to review the case file.

Authorities denied her lawyers access to the case file during the investigation. They only granted access after the first court session. At the October 18 hearing, Marwa Arafa appeared exhausted. She showed clear signs of breathing difficulties. The judge postponed the session to December 20, 2025. The defence requested time to question and cross-examine prosecution witnesses.

On December 20, 2025, the court questioned police officers involved in the case. The judge then adjourned the trial to February 15, 2026, to hear the remaining witnesses. Amnesty International has raised ongoing concerns about trials before terrorism circuits. These concerns include limits on the right to a fair hearing and the right to an effective defence.

Prison conditions, health, and denied rights

Authorities held Marwa Arafa in Al-Qanater Women’s Prison from April 2020 to July 2023. They then transferred her to 10th of Ramadan Prison. According to Amnesty International, prison staff at Al-Qanater failed to stop abuse by other prisoners. They also denied her requests to work in prison workshops for pay.

Since August 2025, officials at 10th of Ramadan Prison have denied her daily exercise. This violates Egyptian prison rules and international standards. An independent doctor told her family that daily movement is vital. Without it, she faces a high risk of blood clots and further health decline.

In August 2025, Marwa Arafa suffered a pulmonary embolism. Doctors treated her with anticoagulant injections. Later tests showed a heart condition. She needs further tests to decide on treatment. Prison authorities have refused to transfer her to an outside hospital.

Prison officials have also blocked her from continuing her postgraduate studies. Since 2023, her family has filed repeated requests for her to sit her exams. Authorities at 10th of Ramadan Prison have rejected every request.

Please take action as soon as possible until June 6, 2026. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.