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Renewal of detention of activist Marwa Arafa continues despite exceeding 3 years in pretrial detention in violation of law

Publish Date : Monday, 4 May, 2020
Last Update : Thursday, 7 March, 2024
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5 March 2024

The Criminal Court (First Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator and political activist, Marwa Arafa, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa has been detained in connection with this lawsuit since April 2020, despite the lack of legal justifications for her continued imprisonment as the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that the period of pretrial detention must not exceed two years, after which release is mandatory.

This incident caused psychological disorders to her daughter Wafa, who was two years old at the time, as a result of the trauma she experienced when she witnessed her mother’s arrest, which resulted in delayed language problems with communication.

Arafa faces accusations of joining and financing a terrorist group; based on an accusation that she was financially supporting prisoners, Arafa denied the accusation and stated that she was only trying to help those in need, including the families of prisoners who may have lost their sole breadwinner. Even then, she had not provided any financial support, only supplies such as food and clothing.

January 30, 2024

The Criminal Court (Third Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator and political activist, Marwa Arafa, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa has been detained in connection with this lawsuit since April 2020, despite the lack of legal justifications for her continued imprisonment as the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that the period of pretrial detention must not exceed two years, after which release is mandatory.

This incident caused psychological disorders to her daughter Wafa, who was two years old at the time, as a result of the trauma she experienced when she witnessed her mother’s arrest, which resulted in delayed language problems with communication.

Arafa faces accusations of joining and financing a terrorist group; based on an accusation that she was financially supporting prisoners, Arafa denied the accusation and stated that she was only trying to help those in need, including the families of prisoners who may have lost their sole breadwinner. Even then, she had not provided any financial support, only supplies such as food and clothing.

8 November 2023 

On November 8, the Criminal Court (First Circuit) renewed the detention of translator and political activist, Marwa Arafa, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security), in which Arafa has been detained since April 2020.

The renewal of Arafa’s detention violates the Code of Criminal Procedure, which stipulates that the maximum period of pre-trial detention is two years. Security forces raided Arafa’s house, arrested her, and confiscated several personal belongings. She faces accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

24 September 2023 

The Criminal Court decided to extend the detention of translator and activist Marwa Arafa for 45 extra days, despite the lack of legal justifications for her continued imprisonment as the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that the period of pretrial detention must not exceed two years, after which release is mandatory.

Arafa has been detained in connection with this lawsuit since April 2020, after the security forces stormed her house. This incident caused psychological disorders to her daughter Wafa, who was two years old at the time, as a result of the trauma she experienced when she witnessed her mother’s arrest, which resulted in delayed language problems with communication.

Arafa faces accusations of joining and financing a terrorist group, Based on an accusation that she was financially supporting prisoners, Arafa denied the accusation and stated that she was only trying to help those in need, including the families of prisoners who may have lost their sole breadwinner, and even then, she had not provided any financial support, but only provided supplies such as food and clothing.


Criminal Court renewed the detention of translator Marwa Arafa, who’s been detained for more than 3 years, for extra 45 days

13 August 2023 

On August 13, the Criminal Court (Second Circuit) renewed the detention of translator and political activist, Marwa Arafa, for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security), in which Arafa is detained since April 2020.

The renewal of Arafa’s detention violates the Code of Criminal Procedure, which stipulates that the maximum period of pre-trial detention is two years. Security forces raided Arafa’s house, arrested her, and confiscated several personal belongings. She faces accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

 

The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression calls for Arafa’s immediate release or to replace her pretrial detention with one of the precautionary measures.

8 July 2023

On the 8th of July, Cairo Criminal Court (Second Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator and political activist, Marwa Arafa, for 45 extra days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa’s pretrial detention exceeded three years; she started her fourth year behind bars away from her child. Despite the illegality of her continued detention, the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that the maximum period of pretrial detention is two years; however, her detention is still pending renewal.

Security forces arrested Arafa in April 2020, from her house after breaking into it and seizing some of her personal belongings. Arafa faces accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

 

23 May 2023

On May 23, the Criminal Court (First Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days, pending investigations of lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa exceeded the maximum period of pretrial detention as she completed three years behind prison bars, away from her daughter, despite not committing any crime. AFTE renews its demands to release Arafa or to replace her detention with a precautionary measure.

After her arrest in April 2020, Arafa faced accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

10 April 2023 “Criminal Court renews translator Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days as her third year in pretrial detention approaches” 

On April 10, the Criminal Court (Second Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa, for 45 days pending investigations of case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa completes her third year in pretrial detention within a few days as the calls for her relase and reunification with her daughter increases, as Arafa was arrested in April 2020 when her daughter was only one year and a few months old at the time, and now her daughter is over four years old.

Arafa exceeded the maximume period of pretrial detention, thus; there’s no legal justification for her detention till now, she faces accusations of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.


13 March 2023 

On March 13 hearing, the Criminal Court (Second Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days, in connection with case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

After the execution of the detention decision, Arafa shall complete her third year in pretrial detention without committing a crime. AFTE calls for her release or replacing her pretrial detention with a precautionary measure and to reunite her with her family again.

Arafa faces charges of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

8 February 2023 “Despite exceeding legal pretrial detention period; Criminal Court renews Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days” 

On February 8, The Criminal Court (Second Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with Case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Security forces arrested Arafa from her house in Nasr City district, Cairo, on April 20, 2020; Arafa completes three years in pretrial detention in a few days; it should be noted that the maximum period of pretrial detention in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure is two years. Arafa faces charges of joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

29 December 2022 “Criminal Court renews the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days; Despite exceeding the maximum period of pretrial detention” 

On December 29, the Criminal Court (3rd Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 extra days, pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security. Despite that, Arafa exceeded the maximum period of pretrial detention stipulated in Egyptian law. 

Security forces arrested Marwa from her house in Nasr City in April 2020. She was subjected to enforced disappearance for 14 days, during which her family tried to know where she was detained without receiving a reply from the concerned authorities. Then she appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution, which charged her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

14 November 2022 

On November 14, the Criminal Court (2nd Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 extra days, pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security. which Marwa has been convicted since her arrest in April 2020. 

Security forces arrested Marwa from her house in Nasr City, after two weeks she appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution that charged her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

It should be noted that Marwa exceeded the maximum pretrial detention period which is two years stipulated in the Code of Criminal Procedure, as her pretrial detention is being renewed for two years and seven months. 

 

20 August 2022 “Criminal Court renews Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days; Despite exceeding maximum pretrial detention period” 

On August 20, The Criminal Court (Third Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with Case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

A six-men police force arrested Arafa from her house in Nasr City on 20 April 2020; they confiscated her mobile phone and sums of money in her possession at the time; After 14 days of enforced disappearance, Arafa appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution in connection with the case mentioned above, She faces several charges including joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing a financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

29 May 2022 “Despite exceeding two years in pretrial detention; Criminal Court renews Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days” 

On May 29, the Criminal Court (Third Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa was arrested from her house in Nasr City on April 20, 2020, her pretrial detention period exceeded two years, which is the maximum period of pretrial detention in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The investigations charged Arafa with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes and committing finance crime for a terrorist purpose.

10 April 2022 “Criminal Court renews Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days”

On April 10 hearing, The Criminal Court (Fifth Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of translator Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with lawsuit No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Marwa was arrested from her house in Nasr City on April 20, 2020, after security forces searched her house. The investigations charged her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

Marwa completes the two years in pretrial detention within days, which is the maximum period of pretrial detention in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.

7 March 2022 “Criminal Court renews Marwa Arafa’s detention for 45 days”

On March 7, The Criminal Court (Second Terrorism Circuit) decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with Case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa completes the two years in pretrial detention within days, which is the maximum period of pretrial detention, she was arrested her house on April 20, 2020, The Prosecution charged her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

6 February 2022

On Sunday, February 6, The Criminal Court (The Second Circuit Terrorism) decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with Case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa was arrested from her house on April 20, 2020. She was detained in an unknown place for over two weeks till she was brought before the Prosecution. The Prosecution charges her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

8 November 2021 

On Monday, November 8, The Criminal Court (The Fourth Circuit Terrorism) decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days in connection with Case No. 570 of 2020 (Supreme State Security).

Arafa was arrested from her house on April 20, 2020. She was detained in an unknown place till she was brought before the Prosecution on May 4, 2020. The Prosecution charges her with joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing financing crime for a terrorist purpose.

27 September 2021 

Yesterday, The Criminal Court (The Third Circuit Terrorism), considered the detention order of “Marwa Arafa”, and ordered to extend it for 45 days, this came pending Case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security.

The court’s decision to renew the detention came despite the defendant’s defense request to refer the detention renewal consideration to another circuit.

The law stressed the necessity for the defendant to attend his detention renewal hearing to respond and defend himself from the justifications that the investigation body can provide to extend his detention.

According to Article 136 of the Code of Criminal Procedure No. 150 of 1950, as amended by Law 145 of 2006, that speculates “Before issuing a detention order, the investigating judge must hear the Prosecution’s statement and the defendant’s defense.”

Notably, “Arafa” was detained in an unknown place after being arrested from her house on April 20, 2020. She was brought before the prosecution on May 4 in the same year and remained in pretrial detention.

22 August 2021 

The Third Circuit Terrorism, held at Institute of Police Secretaries in Tura, considered the detention order of “Marwa Arafa”, and ordered to renew her detention for 45 extra days, this came pending Case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security, The mentioned court considered the order to renew the defendant’s detention on Sunday, August 22, 2021, in the presence of AFTE’s lawyer, The court’s decision to renew the detention came despite the defendant’s defense request to refer the consideration of detention extension to another circuit.

“Marwa” was arrested from her house on April 20, 2020, she was detained in an unknown place till she was brought before the prosecution on May 4, 2020, and she’s in pretrial detention till now.

30 May 2021

The Third Circuit Criminal Terrorism, had decided on May 30, 2021 session which was held at Institue of Police Secretaries in Tura, to renew the detention of “Marwa Arafa” for 45 days pending investigations in case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security.

She was charged with crimes such as joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing the crime of financing it for a terrorist purpose.

It should be noted that, Marwa was detained in an unknown place, after arresting her from her house on April 20, 2020, and was brought before the prosecution on the 4th of May in the same year, and remained in pretrial detention till now.


30 March 2021

The criminal court of Cairo (third circuit / Terrorism), has decided on Tuesday 30 March 2021, to renew the pretrial detention of  “Marwa Arafa” for 45 days pending investigations in case No. 570 of 2020 Supreme State Security.

She was charged with crimes such as joining a terrorist group with knowledge of its purposes, committing the crime of financing it for a terrorist purpose.

Notably, she was detained in an unknown place, after arresting her from her house on April 20, 2020, and was brought before the prosecution on the 4th of May in the same year, and remained in pretrial detention till now.

1 March 2021

The Third Circuit Terrorism decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.

The prosecution accused Arafa of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

17 Feb 2021

The Third Circuit Terrorism decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.

The prosecution accused Arafa of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

20 January 2021

The Third Circuit Terrorism decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

10 December 2020

The Third Circuit Terrorism decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

27 Sep 2020

The Fifth Circuit Terrorism decided to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 45 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

25 Aug 2020

The Supreme State Security Prosecution decided, in the August 25th session, to renew the detention of Marwa Arafa for 15 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security, without holding a renewal of detention session.

13 Aug 2020

The Supreme State Security Prosecution decided, yesterday, to renew Marwa Arafa’s detention for 15 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
The renewal of the detention decision was taken without Arafa’s attendance.

Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

28 June 2020

The Supreme State Security Prosecution decided, today, to renew Marwa Arafa’s detention for 15 days pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.
The renewal of detention decision was taken without her attendance or holding the session.
Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her place, and was accused of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

4 May 2020

The Supreme State Security Prosecution decided, today, to detain Marwa Ashraf Arafa for 15 days, pending investigations into case No. 570 of 2020, Supreme State Security.

The prosecution accused Arafa of joining a terrorist group knowing its objectives and committing a terrorist financing crime.

Arafa was arrested on April 20, 2020, from her home, and was held in an unknown location until she was brought before the prosecution office today.

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