Activist Islam Khalil has remained in detention and was transferred on Wednesday to Al- Sonta police station in Tanta governorate, despite a release order issued 10 days ago, according to his lawyer and brother Nour Khalil.
The activist’s brother told Daily News Egypt that Islam’s health condition and morale are highly “deteriorated” and that the family is not allowed to communicate with the detainee. “Only the lawyer was able to see Islam for a few minutes in prison,” said Nour.
Earlier on Monday, Islam was transferred to the National Security headquarters, then to Al-Sonta police station, pending further investigations.
“My brother was treated badly during questioning, as officers threatened Islam with a life sentence in prison,” Nour told Daily News Egypt. The brother claimed that Islam was threatened by authorities to face new accusations against him. However, police officers at the station denied any responsibility, as the detainee remains under the custody of National Security authorities.
Islam was arrested but his release was ordered after the East Alexandria Court dropped charges against him, including belonging to an outlawed group and inciting violence that targeted state stability and security on 21 August.
Following the first release order, Islam was transferred from Borg El-Arab prison, where he was detained, to Alexandria security directorate, then to Al-Raml second district police station, where he found himself charged with a new case.
The prosecution accused the defendant of assaulting a number of police officers at Al-Raml. However, after the examination of medical reports of the detainee, Islam was granted a release in the case.
Islam, 27, was arrested on 24 May 2015 at around 3am from his home, and despite release orders in all cases, he is still being investigated and held in detention.
The detainee completed at least 442 days in prison. Up to the present day, it remains unclear when the detainee will be released, but his brother said he does not expect Islam’s release “anytime soon”.
