New Summons for Activist Ahmed Douma Before the Supreme State Security Prosecution: Continued Persecution Despite Presidential Pardon

Political poet and dissident Ahmed Douma was surprised to be summoned again for investigation in a new case (No. 2563 of 2025, Supreme State Security case registry), despite not being previously notified of the case content or the charges against him. The prosecution notice did not reach his residence in Damanhour until the day after the scheduled investigation session. According to his legal defense team, the prosecution refused to allow the lawyers access to the case files or to be informed of the charges against him, in a clear violation of defense rights and guarantees of a fair trial. The session has been rescheduled to April 26, 2025.

This summons is an extension of a series of security measures used against Douma since his release from prison in August 2023 by presidential pardon of the remaining sentence, following a trial that lacked the most basic standards of fair trial. On November 10, 2024, he was investigated in case No. 5892 of 2024, over social media posts. At the time, he was released on bail of 20,000 EGP, facing the charge of “spreading false news domestically and internationally that could disturb public order, spread panic among the people, and harm the public interest,” under Article 102 bis of the Penal Code.

What Ahmed Douma is facing is not an exception but reflects a recurring pattern used by the Supreme State Security Prosecution to re-target political dissidents either through renewed investigations or re-arrest after their release, as occurred in similar cases such as that of political dissident and member of the Civil Movement Dr. Hussein Abdel Hadi, who was re-detained after receiving a presidential pardon.

The practices of the Supreme State Security Prosecution represent a clear example of the security apparatus encroaching on the justice system in Egypt, and reflect a method of dealing with opinion-holders that highlights a deep flaw in the independence of the judiciary and the guarantees of fair trial. The organizations call for an end to all politically motivated summonses and demand respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, foremost among them the right to freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful participation in public affairs.

The organizations emphasize that the rights to liberty, personal security, freedom of expression, and peaceful political activity are not privileges to be granted or withdrawn, but inherent rights guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution and international treaties ratified by the Egyptian state.

Accordingly, the undersigned organizations call on the Public Prosecutor to dismiss the investigation in the mentioned case and take the necessary measures to ensure that the Supreme State Security Prosecution is not used as a tool to suppress dissent. They also call for a review of the prosecution’s role in politically motivated cases, in a manner that ensures respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Signed by: