Two human rights organisations have submitted a statement to the Egyptian Prosecutor about the health of politician and member of the opposition Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, head of the Strong Egypt Party, in which they warned that his life is in danger.

The petition, filed by the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights and the Adalah Centre for Rights and Freedoms, demanded urgent intervention to save Aboul Fotouh from medical negligence at Tora Prison.

Aboul Fotouh, 68, suffered two heart attacks during the past two days, in addition to suffering from six chest ulcers throughout his detention.

Aboul Fotouh suffers from several diseases including prostatic hyperplasia, severe congestion and negative effects on the kidney and bladder and difficulty urinating.

The petition called for “the necessity of having facilities to help him in prison… and [be provided with] urgent surgical intervention to stop his condition deteriorating.”

It also called for “furnishing a room in private custody at his own expense… and allowing him to bring in appropriate food, whether [from] inside the prison or from outside,” as well as “ending his solitary confinement and enabling him to be exposed to air, sun and [being allowed to exercise] outside his prison [cell].”

His son Ahmed pointed out that his father suffered two heart attacks in less than 24 hours because of the inhumane prison conditions and deliberate abuse.

Egyptian authorities arrested Fotouh in mid-February 2018 and charged him with being part of a banned group and spreading false news.

Later that month he and his son were added to a list of terrorists and the Egyptian Attorney General ordered his assets to be frozen and seized.

Aboul Fotouh was arrested as media statements which attacked the Egyptian political system and the atmosphere surrounding the presidential elections in late March 2018 circulated. 

He was arrested within days of the Deputy President of the Strong Egypt Party, Mohammed al-Qassas.