Physical and sexual abuse of women political prisoners is on the rise in Egypt. In June, ten Egyptian human rights organizations filed a joint complaint with the Egyptian general prosecutor, alleging torture and abuse of female prisoners and requesting that the prosecutor promptly investigate prisoner complaints. Several female prisoners have gone on a hunger strike to protest their treatment, which includes beatings, rapes and denial of medical care.
The Egyptian government has refused to allow an investigation into the deteriorating situation and denies that any abuse is taking place. A security crackdown against demonstrators and those suspected of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood has resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of record numbers of women. Attempts by families and friends to advocate on behalf of the women prisoners have failed to produce results.
Compiled from: Female prisoners in Egypt suffer rampant abuse, Al Monitor (June 30, 2014)