within twenty-four hours of their freedoms having been restricted. Questioning of the person
may only begin once his/her lawyer is present. If he/she has no lawyer, a lawyer will be
appointed for him/her. Detainees with disabilities shall be provided with all necessary aid,
according to procedures stipulated in the law. Those who have their freedom restricted and
others have the right of recourse to the judiciary. Judgment must be rendered within a week
from such recourse, otherwise the defendant shall be immediately released.
10. In accordance with articles 7, 14 and 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, and article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child with respect to the
observance of minimum standards, article 55 stipulates that all those arrested, imprisoned or
restricted to their dignity shall be treated respectfully, and that they should not be intimidated,
subjected to force or physically or mentally harmed. The violation of any of these conditions is a
crime punishable by law which is not subject to statute of limitations. The accused has the right
to remain silent and any statement proved to be obtained from a detainee under duress or
coercion or the threat thereof or which breaches any of the aforementioned conditions is
disregarded. This is reflected by Article 126 of the Penal Code which classifies torture as a
crime. This criminalization of torture has been in force in Egypt since 1883, when Article 212 of
the Penal Code of 13/11/1883 outlawed the offense of torture. Article 129 of the Penal Code
also criminalizes any other attack not for the purpose of torture, making any such offence
punishable with the penalty of misdemeanor.
The Public Prosecution and supervisory bodies of the Ministry of the Interior monitor and take
into account any complaints relating to allegations of excessive use of force or abuses by police
officers for violations of citizens' rights, crimes of torture and cruelty, with such offences subject
to criminal and disciplinary trials in accordance with the gravity of the case and evidence of the
seriousness and evidence of its occurrence. Statistics from 2014 to 2017 reflect the state's
keenness to confront abuses, which are very limited given the number of police personnel and
the daily dealings with thousands of citizens. The trials of 72 police officers and officers took
place during this period, most notably on charges concerning torture and cruelty, with many of
those convicted subjected to final sentences of imprisonment. The last time such a report was
issued it concerned a case in which six officers and police officers were sentenced to prison
sentences ranging from four to seven years. Thirty-one officers and members of the police were
disciplined for individual abuses that were not found to merit criminal prosecution.
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