On September 26, 2026, Egypt's interior ministry released a statement denying claims that inmates at a rehabilitation center in Minya had gone on a hunger strike. According to the ministry, the allegations were spread by the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group outlawed in Egypt, on social media platforms. The group allegedly claimed that inmates were protesting mistreatment and violations.
The interior ministry described the allegations as "totally unfounded" and part of a "coordinated smear campaign" by the Muslim Brotherhood. The group has been known to use such tactics in an attempt to discredit the Egyptian government and gain sympathy for its members imprisoned in Egypt. The ministry emphasized that the allegations were aimed at securing favorable treatment for the group's members within the prison system.
The rehabilitation center in Minya is one of several facilities in Egypt that house inmates, including those convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The center is designed to provide inmates with education, job training, and counseling to help them reintegrate into society upon release. The interior ministry stated that it would take legal action against those who spread the false allegations.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Egyptian government and the Muslim Brotherhood. The group was outlawed in Egypt in 2013 and has since been the subject of a major crackdown by the authorities. Many of its leaders and members have been arrested and imprisoned on charges of terrorism and other offenses.
Egypt's interior ministry has faced criticism in the past for its handling of prisons and the treatment of inmates. Human rights groups have accused the ministry of mistreating prisoners and violating their rights. However, the ministry has consistently denied such allegations, stating that it adheres to international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
The incident comes as Egypt prepares for a major overhaul of its prison system. The government has announced plans to build new prisons and improve conditions in existing facilities. The move is aimed at addressing concerns about overcrowding and improving the treatment of inmates.
The Egyptian government has urged citizens to be cautious of misinformation spread by extremist groups. The interior ministry has called on the public to rely on official sources for information and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The government has also emphasized its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Key points
- The Egyptian interior ministry denies claims of a hunger strike by inmates at a rehabilitation center in Minya, calling the allegations "totally unfounded".
