Edited on October 4, 2025
The Arab Foundation for Civil Society and Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the prison sentence issued on Thursday, October 3, against researcher and economic expert Abdel Khaleq Farouk. The Shorouk Misdemeanor Court sentenced Farouk to five years in prison in Case No. 4527 of 2025 Shorouk Misdemeanors, related to Case No. 4937 of 2024 Supreme State Security. This ruling was issued during the second session of his trial.
The court insisted on hearing the prosecution’s argument first, “despite the defense’s insistence on the necessity of completing the procedural sessions before beginning the pleadings on the same day of the session in which the verdict was issued.”
Abdel Khaleq Farouk, 67, faces charges of joining a terrorist group, spreading false news and statements, misusing social media, and inciting against the state and its leaders. These charges stem from his numerous articles and research papers that analyzed and criticized the government’s economic policies.
Sherif Helaly, the foundation’s executive director, asserts that the content of this ruling constitutes a violation of freedom of opinion and expression, as stipulated in Article 65 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought and opinion, and the right of every person to express their opinion verbally, in writing, through photography, or by other means of expression and publication.
Article 73 of the Constitution also affirms that no penalty of deprivation of liberty shall be imposed for crimes committed through publication or publicity. This constitutes a violation of academic freedoms, as affirmed by international human rights conventions and ratified by the Egyptian government.
This represents a negative indicator, especially given that it comes in connection with accusations related to freedom of opinion and expression, and coincides with the fourth anniversary of the issuance of the National Human Rights Strategy. The Foundation calls for the release of all those detained on charges related to exercising freedom of opinion and expression and for an end to their referral to urgent trials.
