According to sources Ahmad Al-Gamal is currently suffering from a tumour on his right shoulder blade, brought on by the torture he suffered while in prison and complete lack of medical assistance.

Ahmad Al-Gamal is currently detained in the heavily guarded Abu Zaabal prison. While in prison he has received more than six decisions by the State Security Supreme Court for his release, which in turn invalidates the Minister of Interior's decision to keep him under administrative detention. The release orders have been consistently ignored by the Egyptian security forces - which is in direct violation of the Egyptian constitution.

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil Political Rights, which Egypt ratified in 1982, provides that "Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law."

"Ahmad Al-Gamal represents yet another case of severe torture and ill-treatment by the Egyptian authorities" said Alkarama's Legal Director Rachid Mesli, "It is a clear violation of international human rights law, particularly Article 2 of the Convention against Torture, which was ratified by Egypt in 1986."

"The policy of arbitrary detention and torture adopted by the Egyptian security agencies," continued Mesli "especially the State Security forces, is of concern to the international human rights community and exemplifies the deteriorating human rights situation in Egypt."

Alkarama strongly urges the Egyptian government refer Ahmad Al-Gamal to a hospital, in order that he receives the appropriate medical assistance before his worsening condition escalates any further. In this case, the Ministry of Interior should take full responsibility.

Alkarama implores the Egyptian Prosecutor General to immediately open an investigation into the allegations of torture and arbitrary detention that continually plagued Egypt, and in doing so he would add support and strengthen the rule of law in Egypt.

Alkarama intends to send Ahmad Al-Gamal's case to the United Nations human rights special procedures in due course.