Oqba Alaa Labib Hashad, a 27-year-old Egyptian student, has been subjected to severe human rights violations by Egyptian security and judicial authorities since his arrest on 20 May 2019. His detention stems solely from his familial connection to his brother, Amr Hashad, a recognised human rights defender now living in exile. Egyptian National Security Agency agents raided his university accommodation in Sadat City, arresting all present; while others were promptly released, Oqba was singled out and has remained in pre-trial detention for over 6 years, far exceeding the maximum legal limit under Egyptian law.
During his detention, Oqba was subjected to enforced disappearance for approximately 75 days and endured torture and ill-treatment, including beatings and electric shocks. His right leg was amputated above the knee following a childhood accident; authorities have denied him adequate medical care and a correctly fitted prosthetic limb for extended periods, leaving him unable to walk unassisted and dependent on others for basic needs.
Despite a judge ordering his release after his detention unlawfully exceeded statutory pre-trial limits, prosecutors have circumvented this ruling by bringing new charges in a practice known as “rotation”, thereby keeping him detained without meaningful judicial oversight. International human rights law obliges states to ensure liberty and security of person, prohibit torture, and provide equal protection under the law, yet Oqba’s case reflects a persistent pattern of arbitrary detention, denial of medical care, and prolonged pre-trial imprisonment.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee for Justice (CFJ), have repeatedly documented his plight and called for his immediate and unconditional release, access to adequate healthcare, and restitution of his basic rights as a person with disabilities.
As the Rights Defenders Initiative (RDI), we call on the Government of Egypt to immediately and unconditionally release Oqba Hashad, drop all charges against him, ensure he receives appropriate medical care and a properly fitted prosthetic leg, and uphold his human rights as guaranteed under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
References
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/03/egypt-more-than-30000-demand-release-of-student-oqba-hashad-after-nearly-six-years-of-arbitrary-detention/
- https://www.cfjustice.org/cfj-documents-severe-human-rights-violations-against-egyptian-citizen-with-disabilities-urgently-calls-for-release/
- https://srdefenders.org/egypt-ill-treatment-and-continued-detention-of-oqaba-alaa-labib-hashad-and-mohamed-ibrahim-radwan-joint-communication/
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde12/7901/2024/en/
