Hamdi El-Zaeem's decade of pretrial detention in Egypt
Egyptian photojournalist Hamdi El-Zaeem has been held in pretrial detention for over ten years, far exceeding the legal two-year limit, with his trial now
Hamdi El-Zaeem has been held in pretrial detention for over ten years, far exceeding Egypt's legal two-year limit. The photojournalist was first arrested in September 2016 and has remained in detention since January 2021, a period that violates the right to liberty and fair trial guarantees. His trial is scheduled for 27 September 2026, following a referral in January 2025 where he was charged alongside dozens of other defendants. Pretrial detention has been used as a de facto long-term punishment rather than an exceptional, temporary measure.
Systematic pattern of abuse
El-Zaeem's case reflects a broader pattern of using pretrial detention as a de facto punishment for journalists in Egypt. At least 20 journalists remain behind bars in the country, with several exceeding the maximum legal period for pretrial detention. The Egyptian authorities are urged to immediately release Hamdi El-Zaeem and end restrictions on freedom of the press and expression. This detention constitutes a serious violation of the right to liberty, security of person, and fair trial guarantees.
International rankings underscore the systemic nature of the problem. Reporters Without Borders ranked Egypt 169th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. The Committee to Protect Journalists identified Egypt among the world's ten worst jailers of journalists in its 2025 prison census.
Health and family impact
Prolonged detention has caused severe health deterioration and deprived his family of their primary breadwinner. El-Zaeem has suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, a herniated disc, and psychological consequences of his prolonged confinement. He is the father of four children and was the primary breadwinner for his family.
His detention has been marked by periods of extreme isolation. After a court ordered his release under precautionary measures in June 2018, which he complied with by reporting regularly, he was rearrested on 4 January 2021. He was then held without contact with family or a lawyer for twelve days before appearing before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 16 January 2021 in Case No. 955 of 2020. The charges in that case included joining a terrorist group and participating in a criminal agreement to commit a terrorist offense.
Imminent trial after years
El-Zaeem is scheduled to face trial on 27 September 2026 after years of unlawful detention. He was referred to trial in January 2025 after years of pretrial detention in Case No. 15060 of 2016. The continued deprivation of liberty for a decade violates fundamental human rights while the judicial process inches forward. The article closes on the scheduled trial date of 27 September 2026, emphasizing the prolonged injustice.
