blindfolded meant that the Victim was unable to pray correctly, as prayer
required a washing ritual (ablution) which he was unable to perform.
121. The Complainants submit that the extent of these restraints was not justified
by security concerns, especially given their duration and their continuation while
the Victim was in solitary confinement.
122. The Complainants allege that the guards mocked the Victim for his religious
manner and sought to distress and incite him by destroying pages or verses from
the Holy Qu’ran in front of him, and once violently pulling him from the ground
in the midst of his prayers.
Alleged violation of Article 16
123. The Complainants submit that the Victim was repeatedly treated in a manner
detrimental to his health. The Complainants allege that many of the health issues
during his time in detention resulted from the abuse he suffered at the hands of
the prison and security officials.
124. The Complainants submit that the authorities failed to provide medical care
to the Victim, even where the latter proactively requested medical attention.
125. The Complainants submit that during the first three years in detention, when
some of the most regular torture was inflicted and he suffered from torn
ligaments and damage to his ribs, neck, and spinal discs, the Victim received no
medical care at all. The Complainants submit that thereafter, medicines were
often confiscated as punishment. The Complainants aver that the Victim raised
complaints about the obstruction of medical treatment and confiscation of
medicines in complaints to the Public Prosecutor and prison authorities.
126. The Complainants submit that the health of the Victim was placed at further
risk when the Victim was confined in crowded and poorly ventilated cells with
prisoners suffering from contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, in violation of
the States’ obligation to take the necessary measures to protect the health of their
people. The Complainants allege a violation of Articles 5 and 16 of the Charter.
Alleged violation of Article 18
127. The Complainants aver that the State denied the Victim his right to family life.
The Complainants submit that the Victim was not permitted to receive any
family visits while detained at Abu Za’bal, al-Aqrab and Lazoghli. The
Complainants add that although his family were formally granted access to visit
him at al-Wadi al-Gadeed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, they were denied
access to the Victim.
128. The Complainants submit that while the Victim was allowed brief visits at
Damanhour, detainees were beaten before and after the visit, often to the great
distress of visiting family members.
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