Thirteen years after Rabaa massacre, families urge Egypt to free political prisoners

Thirteen years have passed since the Rabaa massacre in Egypt, yet the families of political prisoners are still calling for the release of those detained in connection with the tragic events. The Families of Egyptian Detainees Association (Feda) made the appeal on the 13th anniversary of the massacre, urging the Egyptian government to set the country on a path towards justice and reconciliation.

On 14 August 2013, Egyptian forces, under the leadership of then-Defence Minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, stormed Cairo's Rabaa and al-Nahda squares, where pro-democracy protesters had gathered to express their views. The forces killed at least 900 people in what was one of the largest killings of demonstrators in Egypt's modern history. More than 60,000 prisoners of conscience are currently held in Egyptian jails, including over 1,000 women, according to rights groups.

Feda points out that the victims of the Rabaa massacre were initially portrayed as defendants, and many have been subjected to medical neglect, poor nutrition, overcrowded conditions, and denial of basic rights such as family visits, access to books and newspapers, and exercise. The group has been working to liaise with institutions and authorities inside and outside Egypt to secure the release of political detainees, hoping that this anniversary can mark a new beginning in the pursuit of comprehensive national reconciliation and transitional justice.