The death of a prisoner inside his cell at Borg Al-Arab Prison before being released under a presidential pardon
The prisoner, Mohamed Jaber Saad Masoud Ali, aged 46, died in his cell at Borg Al-Arab Prison on January 2, 2026, after spending nearly 21 years behind bars out of a 25-year sentence, just weeks before the expected date of his release under the presidential pardon decisions.
According to his family's statements, Mohamed Jaber was in good health before his detention and did not suffer from any chronic diseases. However, during the last three years of his imprisonment, he complained of repeated violations and mistreatment by some prison officers, without being able to file official complaints for fear of retaliation or punishment.
The family reported that the prison administration stated in its official report that the deceased had not been presented to any medical authority or received treatment throughout his 21 years of imprisonment, which constitutes a serious indication of gross medical neglect and represents a blatant violation of the right to health and life guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution and international human rights standards.
Information indicates that Mohamed Jaber spent his entire youth in prison and was known for his good conduct and behavior. He completed the memorization of the Holy Quran and took on the responsibility of some administrative records within his cell four years ago. His family also confirms that he refused to cooperate with some unofficial factions inside the prison, which, according to his relatives, exposed him to continuous harassment and pressure.
The body of the deceased is still being held in the morgue, amid a lack of clear information regarding the outcome of the public prosecutor's investigations, in a state of ambiguity and official silence. The family asserts that Mohamed Jaber told them during his last visit in November that he would leave prison within just one month due to a pardon decision, but fate had other plans for him inside his cell.
The death of a prisoner in his cell, after decades of deprivation of medical care and just weeks before his release, raises serious questions about detention conditions and the extent to which authorities are fulfilling their legal obligation to protect the lives of prisoners and ensure their physical safety.
The Al-Shehab Center for Human Rights demands
an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of prisoner Mohamed Jaber Saad Masoud Ali.
Accountability for all those responsible for any medical neglect or violations that occurred against him.
Clear announcement of the results of the public prosecutor's investigations to the public and to the family of the deceased.
Ensuring that such incidents do not recur by enabling prisoners to receive regular and immediate medical care.
Commitment to constitutional and international standards regarding the rights of prisoners, foremost among them the right to life and health.
