22 January 2025
The Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) renewed poet Galal ElBehairy’s detention for 45 days pending the investigation of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
10 December 2024
The Criminal Court (Second Circuit Terrorism) renewed poet Galal ElBehairy’s detention for 45 days pending the investigation of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
6 November 2024
The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) renewed poet Galal ElBehairy’s detention for 45 days pending the investigation of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
One week before, AFTE submitted a request to the Attorney General, numbered 60030 for the year 2024, the Technical Office, demanding the immediate release of Poet Galal ElBehairy following the expiration of his pretrial detention that was provided for in Article 143 of the Criminal Procedure Code in lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
This is the third lawsuit against ElBehairy after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the current president’s policies.
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
24 September 2024
The Cairo Criminal Court (Third Circuit Terrorism) renewed poet Galal ElBehairy’s detention for 45 days pending the investigation of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
One week before, AFTE submitted a request to the Attorney General, numbered 60030 for the year 2024, the Technical Office, demanding the immediate release of Poet Galal ElBehairy following the expiration of his pretrial detention that was provided for in Article 143 of the Criminal Procedure Code in lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
This is the third lawsuit against ElBehairy after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the current president’s policies.
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
19 September 2024: AFTE Submits a Request to Attorney General to Release Poet Galal ElBehairy After Pretrial Detention Period Ends
AFTE submitted a request to the Attorney General, numbered 60030 for the year 2024, the Technical Office, demanding the immediate release of Poet Galal ElBehairy following the expiration of his pretrial detention that was provided for in Article 143 of the Criminal Procedure Code in lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
This is the third lawsuit against ElBehairy after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the current president’s policies.
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
21 August 2024: Poet Galal ElBehairy’s Detention Renewed Pending Investigations in his Third Case
The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) renewed poet Galal ElBehairy’s detention for 45 days pending the investigation of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
This is the third lawsuit against ElBehairy after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the current president’s policies.
ElBehairy was arrested on March 3, 2018, against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one, No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019. He was referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
9 July 2024: Poet Galal ElBehairy’s Detention Renewed Despite Not Attending the Session
The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) renewed the detention of poet Galal ElBehairy for 45 days pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution) despite not attending the investigation session.
The court did not respond to the defense’s request to postpone the session until the accused attends.
This is the third lawsuit against ElBehairy after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
ElBehairy was arrested on 3 March 2018 against accusations in two lawsuits.
He was released from the first one No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019, and referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021.
However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for ElBehairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated ElBehairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
21 May 2024: Poet Galal Al-Behairy’s Detention Renewed for 45 days After More Than 5 Years of Pre-trial Detention
The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) decided to renew the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi for 45 days pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution). This is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
During the last session, Al-Behairi complained of jaw pain two years after he underwent jaw surgery inside his prison.
AFTE lawyers submitted a request to the court to bring him to the medical center in his prison to be examined and treated.
Al-Behairi went on two hunger strikes last year. He also attempted to commit suicide on 9 September, but his life was saved at the last minute. Beheiry’s suicide attempt came in protest against his prolonged detention without evidence or serious investigations.
He has been held in pretrial detention for more than five years on charges repeatedly used to abuse prisoners of conscience, namely, joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
The Criminal Court renews the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, and he complains of jaw pain for the second time
21 February 2024
The Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit Terrorism) renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), which is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
During the session, Al-Behairi complained of jaw pain two years after he underwent jaw surgery inside his prison.
AFTE lawyers submitted a request to the court to bring him to the medical center in his prison to be examined and treated.
It is worth noting that Al-Behairi had informed his family last month that the administration of the Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Badr 1 was deliberately harassing him by stripping his cell of his books, papers, and supplies.
Al-Behairi went on two hunger strikes during last year. He also attempted to commit suicide on 9 September, but his life was saved at the last minute. Beheiry’s suicide attempt came in protest against his prolonged detention without evidence or serious investigations. He has been held in pretrial detention for more than five years on charges repeatedly used to abuse prisoners of conscience, namely, joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
9 January 2024: The Criminal Court renews the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, and he informs his family that he was subjected to harassment by stripping his cell of books, papers, and personal supplies
The Criminal Court (Second Circuit) renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), which is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
It is worth noting that Al-Behairi had informed his family two days before the session that the administration of the Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Badr 1 was deliberately harassing him by stripping his cell of his books, papers, and supplies.
Al-Behairi went on two hunger strikes during this year. He also attempted to commit suicide on 9 September, but his life was saved at the last minute. Beheiry’s suicide attempt came in protest against his prolonged detention without evidence or serious investigations. He has been held in pretrial detention for more than five years on charges repeatedly used to abuse prisoners of conscience, namely, joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
27 November 2023
The Criminal Court (Second Circuit) renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), which is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
Al-Behairi went on two hunger strikes during this year. He also attempted to commit suicide on 9 September, but his life was saved at the last minute. Beheiry’s suicide attempt came in protest against his prolonged detention without evidence or serious investigations. He has been held in pretrial detention for more than five years on charges repeatedly used to abuse prisoners of conscience, namely, joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
16 October 2023
The Criminal Court (Second Circuit) renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), which is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
Al-Behairi went on two hunger strikes during this year. He also attempted to commit suicide on 9 September, but his life was saved at the last minute. Beheiry’s suicide attempt came in protest against his prolonged detention without evidence or serious investigations. He has been held in pretrial detention for more than five years on charges repeatedly used to abuse prisoners of conscience, namely, joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
AFTE submits a report to the public prosecutor to release Galal Al-Behairi after entering his second hunger strike
6 September 2023
Today, AFTE submitted a report to the public prosecutor’s office to investigate the reasons for Poet Galal Al-Behairi’s hunger strike and calling for his release. The report carries No. 50598 of 2023.
Al-Behairi started his hunger strike on September 5, as it’s his second year in pretrial detention in connection with lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021, preceded by another three years in detention pending other lawsuits. AFTE called for Al-Behairi’s release in accordance with Article 143 of the Criminal Procedure Code; the second reason is that his sister’s wedding is approaching next October while he is still in custody.
This is not the first time that Al-Behairi has gone on a total hunger strike. In March, he went on a hunger strike and refrained from drinking water and taking heart and depression medications. AFTE submitted several reports to the public prosecutor demanding the same demands as this report; however, all of the reports were ignored.
Criminal Court renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi for 45 days despite exceeding five years in prison
3 September 2023
The Criminal Court (First Circuit) renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), which is the third lawsuit against Al-Behairi after his arrest for writing the song “Balaha,” which criticizes the policies of the current president.
On 3 March 2018, Al-Behairi was arrested on charges in two cases. On 17 April 2019, he was conditionally released in the first case, no. 480 of 2018, referred to a military court for the second case and sentenced to three years in prison, ending on 31 July 2021. However, the Ministry of Interior failed to implement procedures for Al-Behairi’s release, and he remained illegally detained. The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated Al-Behairi in his current lawsuit, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
Criminal Court renewed the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, who’s been detained for 5 years, for 45 days
22 July 2023
On July 22, Cairo Criminal Court (Third Circuit) decided to renew the detention of poet Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
Al-Behairi enters his sixth year in prison without committing a crime, and with the authorities’ intransigence in releasing him, the security forces arrested him from Cairo airport on March 3, 2018, he appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution accused in lawsuit No. 480 of 2018, which is known in the media as the “Balha Song Lawsuit”, later on April 17, 2019, he was released under precautionary measures. On the next day of his arrest he was accused in another lawsuit No. 4 of 2018 (Administrative Misdemeanor Military Prosecutor) he was tried before a military court, which sentenced him to three years in prison that he finished on July 3, 2021, the Ministry of Interior did not allow his release. Rather, he remained detained until September 5 of the same year, when he was accused in the current case despite the lack of legal justifications.
In the last month, AFTE submitted a report to the public prosecutor after Al-Behairi announced his total strike on food and drink and taking heart and depression medications, in which it demanded that Al-Behairi be provided with the necessary medical care and released with any guarantees.
Al-Behairi is still accused in the current case against accusations similar to those he previously faced, namely joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
18 June 2023
On June 18, Cairo Criminal Court (First Circuit) decided to renew the detention of poet and author of “Balaha” song, Galal Al-Behairi, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021 (Supreme State Security Prosecution).
During this month, Al-Behairi escalated his partial hunger strike and refraining from taking his heart and depression in, which he started on March 5, to a full hunger strike and refraining from drinking water and liquids; AFTE submitted two reports to the public prosecutor requesting a review of the reasons that led Al-Behairi to strike, as well as to urgently provide him with the necessary medical care to Al-Buhairi, and releasing him under any guarantees. However, both of the reports were ignored.
Al-Behairy was arrested on 3 March 2018 against accusations in two lawsuits. He was released from the first one No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures, on 17 April 2019, and referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021. However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for El Behairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained. The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated El Behairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
1 June 2023 “AFTE submits a report to the Public Prosecutor after poet Jalal Al-Behairi escalated his hunger strike and refraining from taking his heart and depression medications to a full hunger strike”
Today, the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression submitted a report to the Public Prosecutor that carried No. 31411 of 2023 to determine the reasons behind poet Jalal Al-Behairi’s escalation of his hunger strike and refraining from taking his heart and depression in which he started on March 5 to a full hunger strike and refraining from drinking water and liquids, AFTE also urged to provide him with the proper health care and his release under any guarantees.
On March 8, simultaneously with Al-Behairi’s partial hunger strike AFTE submitted a previous report to the Public Prosecutor calling for the same demands of the current report; however the report was ignored as no investigations were opened into the incident, and A;-Behairi was not provided with health care, which constitutes a serious threat to his life.
Al-Behairi initiated his hunger strike to coincide with the start of his sixth year in prison without committing any crime as the reason for his arrest was writing a song for singer Ramy Essam called “Balaha” which criticizes the current political system.
Al-Behairy was arrested on 3 March 2018 against accusations in two lawsuits. He was released from the first one No. 480 of 2018, with precautionary measures on 17 April 2019, and referred to a military court for the second lawsuit and sentenced to three years in prison, which ended on 31 July 2021. However, the Ministry of Interior refrained from implementing the procedures for El Behairy’s release, and he remained illegally detained. The Supreme State Security Prosecution interrogated El Behairy in a new lawsuit, no. 2000 of 2021, and he remains in pretrial detention on similar accusations.
2 May 2023 “Behind prison bars since March 2018; Criminal Court renews detention of poet Jalal Al-Behairi, author of “Balaha” song for 45 days pending his third lawsuit”
On May 2, the Criminal Court (Third Circuit) decided to renew the detention of poet Jalal Al-Behairi for 45 days pending his third lawsuit, lawsuit No. 2000 of 2021. The Court renewed Al-Behairi’s detention despite his reluctance to attend the hearing because his detention was renewed before the same cicuit before several times despite the lack of legal basis.
The security forces arrested Al-Behairi in March 2018, after the Balaha song went viral. He was involved in the first lawsuit against accusations of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news, and insulting the President of the Republic. He was released in the following year.
The second lawsuit carried No. 4 of 2018, in which a military prosecution interrogated him regarding his poetry book entitled “The Earth’s Best Women”, later he was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 10,000 EGP, the Court later repealed the fine while maintaining the prison sentence.
After serving his sentence; the Ministry of Interior refused to release him, but rather detained him for more than a month, until he was involved in the current lawsuit against accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
21 March 2023 “Despite going on hunger and medicine strike since March 5, The detention of poet Jalal Al-Behairi was renewed for 45 days”
On the hearing of March 21st, the Criminal Court (First Circuit) decided to renew the detention of poet Jalal Al-Behairi for 45 days pending investigations of case No. 2000 of 2021 which is Al-Behairi’s third time to be convicted in a lawsuit as a prisoner of conscience his arrest in 2018.
Al-Behairi went on an ongoing hunger strike since March 5; he also stopped taking his heart and depression medications, AFTE demanded the public prosecutor to start a speedy investigation to determine the reasons for his strike, to quickly transfer him to the prison hospital to receive appropriate health care after he stopped the necessary medications for his health condition and for his release; as Al-Behairi is starting his sixth in prison for expressing his political opinions.
Al-Behairi is convicted in this lawsuit after he was convicted in two others; in the first one, he got released and served a 3-year prison sentence in the second. He faces charges of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
8 March 2023 “AFTE submits a report to the attorney general regarding poet Jalal Al-Behairi’s hunger strike and demands his release”
Today, the Association for Freedom of Thoughts and Expression filed a report to the attorney general’s office that carried No. 15196 of 2023, on behalf of poet Jalal Al-Behairi to start an investigation regarding his hunger strike; he also stopped taking his heart and depression medications since March 5, AFTE also demanded his receipt of the required health care at the prison hospital and to release him after five years in detention without committing a crime.
In March 2018, the Cairo Airport’s security forces arrested Al-Behairi, the author of “Balaha” song; he was listed in two lawsuits, the first of which is lawsuit No. 480 of 2018, known in the media as “Balaha Song Case” against accusations of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news, and insulting the President of the Republic; later on April 2019, he was released under precautionary measures.
The Military Prosecution interrogated him against the second lawsuit, No. 4 of 2018, regarding his poetry book entitled “The Earth’s Best Women”, the Military Prosecution later charged him with spreading false news and rumors about the Egyptian Armed Forces and insulting the Egyptian Army via publishing a book includes insults to the Egyptian Army. Later on, a Military Court sentenced Al-Behairi to three years in prison and a fine of 10,000 EGP, after appealing the sentence; the Court later repealed the fine while maintaining the prison sentence.
Al-Behairi finished his prison term on July 31, 2021, however; the Ministry of Interior refused to release him, and Al-Behairi remained in detention at a police station in his place of residence. On September 5 of the same year, Al-Behairi appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution as a defendant in a new lawsuit that holds No. 2000 of 2021. Once again, he faces accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and spreading and broadcasting false news and statements that would harm public security.
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