Egyptian student Badr Mohamed is finally free! On February 25, 2025, he was released and reunited with his family after Egypt’s highest court reduced his sentence. Arrested as a teenager, he spent nearly five years in prison following an unfair trial. Now, he can begin rebuilding his life with his wife and young daughter.
Background: A wrongful conviction
In January 2023, a court sentenced Badr to five years in prison over protests that took place in Ramsis Square in August 2013—when he was only 17. His trial was deeply flawed. He was denied the right to a proper defense, unable to cross-examine witnesses, and not allowed to call witnesses on his behalf.
Egyptian authorities had already detained him arbitrarily for nearly three years before this sentence. His imprisonment robbed him of precious time with his daughter, who was born while he was behind bars.
A victory for justice
On February 9, 2025, the Court of Cassation ruled that Badr’s sentence should be reduced to one year, recognizing that he was a minor at the time of the alleged offense. His release soon followed, thanks in part to international pressure, including letters from Amnesty International supporters.
After his release, Badr and his wife shared this message:
“We sincerely thank Amnesty for supporting Badr’s case and contributing to his release. Your advocacy played an important role in reuniting our family and ensuring his freedom. This support has made a real difference in his transition back to life outside prison and the life of our daughter Amina. We truly appreciate your commitment to human rights.”
Amnesty International will continue to fight for the release of others who are unjustly detained in Egypt. Thank you for taking action and making a difference!
