Egypt releases 79 detainees from pretrial detention

Egyptian authorities on Monday released 79 detainees who were being held in pretrial detention “in response to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s engagement with political forces,” Anadolu Agency reported, citing a statement released by the National Dialogue Board of Trustees.

Established in June 2022, the board expressed its “thanks to President Al-Sisi for responding to political forces and releasing 79 detainees held in pretrial detention,” without providing further details.

It also extended thanks to “Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik and Public Prosecutor Mohamed Shawky for their significant efforts in facilitating the release procedures.”

This decision, it added, “aims to create a positive environment conducive to the success of the National Dialogue.”

In April 2022, Al-Sisi called for a “nation that accommodates everyone,” with various opposition sectors welcoming his unprecedented call for national dialogue.

Following this call, dozens of detainees were released through judicial decisions and presidential pardons, including prominent opposition figures Yahya Hussein, Mohamed Mohie El-Din and Magdy Korkor.

The National Dialogue Board of Trustees was formed on 26 June 2022, comprising 19 prominent figures within Egypt, including those affiliated with the opposition. It discusses various political, social, and economic issues, providing recommendations to the presidency.

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