Adjournment of the Lawsuit Seeking to Protect the Pyramids from the Risks of Loud Night Events to 27 June Pending Review of the Commissioners’ Report

The Administrative Court of the State Council ordered the adjournment of the lawsuit filed by the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) seeking the suspension and annulment of a negative administrative decision—namely, the authorities’ failure to take the necessary legal measures to protect the Giza Pyramids area and its archaeological perimeter, and to activate the supervisory and regulatory role of the competent bodies in addressing unlawful activities and events conducted within the site. The case was postponed to the hearing of 27 June to allow review of the Commissioners’ Authority report.

ECESR had filed the action before the Administrative Court (Case No. 1958 of Judicial Year 80), requesting the suspension of enforcement and annulment of the impugned negative decision, together with all consequential effects, most notably the immediate cessation of loud nighttime events held within the archaeological perimeter of the Giza Pyramids. The lawsuit challenges the use of sound equipment generating vibrations at frequencies potentially capable of destabilizing ancient stone structures, as well as laser lighting systems allegedly inconsistent with international standards governing illumination at heritage sites.

The action was filed by ECESR in its capacity as legal representative of Dr. Monica Hanna, Egyptologist and Assistant Professor of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage; Ms. Sally Salah El-Din, licensed tour guide and independent researcher; and Mr. Malek Adly, Cassation lawyer and advocate for cultural heritage protection. The defendants, in their official capacities, include the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and the Governor of Giza. The claim further seeks an order prohibiting any excavation or construction works—whether temporary or permanent—within the area for the purpose of organizing such events.

In its statement, ECESR indicated that the lawsuit is grounded in the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution, Law No. 117 of 1983 on the Protection of Antiquities, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which obliges the Egyptian state to adopt all legislative and administrative measures necessary to ensure the safeguarding of its heritage sites as property of the people and of humanity as a whole.

According to the statement, the administrative authority has refrained from fulfilling its legal duty to protect the site despite its knowledge of nighttime events held within the archaeological perimeter, including the associated excavation and construction works undertaken for those events. The Center argues that such inaction constitutes a serious threat to the structural integrity of the Pyramids and their historic surroundings, a violation of the principle of legality, and a breach of the State’s duty to safeguard public property and national heritage.

ECESR further warned that the continuation of such practices adversely affects the reputation of Egyptian tourism and creates a negative perception regarding the State’s adherence to international standards for heritage site management, in addition to undermining the principle of equal opportunity in the utilization of public resources.

The lawsuit calls upon the Court to issue an urgent ruling suspending the organization of events within the archaeological perimeter and compelling the administrative authorities to adopt immediate measures to secure and rehabilitate the site in accordance with international standards, as well as to review contracts concluded with private companies to ensure transparency and the protection of public funds.

The Center emphasized that the protection of Egypt’s cultural heritage is a national and constitutional responsibility that admits of no negligence, and that preserving the Pyramids—one of the foremost symbols of Egyptian identity and human civilization—is a duty incumbent upon both the State and society, in fulfillment of the rights of future generations to a safe and sustainable heritage.