Date: 12 July 1999

AI Index: MDE 12/28/99

Distrib: PG/SC

To: Medical professionals

From: Medical Office / Middle East Program

Further information on

MEDICAL LETTER WRITING ACTION

Prison conditions and deaths in custody

EGYPT

[also see: AI Index MDE 12/05/99, 12 February 1999]

Theme: release of two prisoners of conscience / ill-health / access to medical care

Summary

Amnesty International has learned that Mahmoud 'Ali Abu Rayya and Dr Mahmoud Ahmad 'Omar al-'Arini, two prisoners of conscience [POCs] who were featured in a medical letter writing action in February 1999, have recently been released from detention. Both POCs, who were held in Mazra'at Tora prison, are over 70 years of age and reportedly suffered from kidney problems.

Dr 'Abd al-Mun'im Abu al-Futuh 'Bad al-Hady, another POC whose case was also part of the February action, remains in detention. However, other Amnesty International groups have now taken up his case and continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release.

No further action by the health professional network on the cases of Mahmoud ‘Ali Abu Rayya, Dr Mahmoud Ahmad 'Omar al-'Arini and Dr 'Abd al-Mun'im Abu al-Futuh 'Bad al-Hady is required.

Many thanks to all those who sent appeals!