Egypt’s NCHR urges prosecution’s probe on death of economist Hadhoud to address ‘forced disappearance’ reports

CAIRO – 11 April 2022: Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has commented on the mysterious death of renowned economist Ayman Hadhoud, whose family was informed of his death in a psychiatric hospital a month after he disappeared in February.

In a statement, President of the NCHR Moushira Khattab called for the Public Prosecution’s investigation on the death of Hadhoud to cover the concerns raised about the alleged forced disappearance of the deceased.

Khattab’s remarks come a day after the Ministry of Interior has denied reports of its involvement in the enforced disappearance of Hadhoud early in February.

In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said it has admitted Hadhoud to a psychiatric hospital based on a decision by the Public Prosecution after trying to break into an apartment in Zamalek district and “conducting irresponsible acts”.

Local reports have cited a security source as denying the claims of Hadhoud’s forced disappearance “circulated by some of the Muslim Brotherhood’s group’s pages”.

NCHR President Khattab pointed out that the council reviewed the Ministry of Interior’s statement in this regard and awaits the results of the Public Prosecution’s investigations.

This comes as the prosecution has decided to run autopsy of the body of the deceased to determine the causes of death and whether he was subjected to torture, Khattab noted.

Khattab stressed that NCHR is closely following all complaints concerning pre-trial detention and forced disappearance. She added that the NCHR receives complaints related to human rights violations, and that the council promptly contacts relevant authorities and plaintiffs.

Moreover, Khattab emphasized that NCHR coordinates with the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior concerning forced disappearance complaints received by the council since its reconstitution (19 complaints).

This is in addition to all complaints related to exceeding pre-trial detention limits or inhumane treatment in pre-trial detention or in prison, she added.

The NCHR is an independent body established according to the Paris Principles, was formed through a democratic mechanism, and has a clear agenda that seeks to enhance the human rights system, Khattab stressed.

She affirmed that the council prioritizes civil and political rights, public freedoms and facilitating access to justices. She also highlighted her confidence in the cooperation of all relevant authorities in this matter.