Ramadan Without Bars | Renewal of Detention for Sayed Saber and Norhan Deraz Despite Deteriorating Health; ECESR Demands Their Release
The Second Terrorism Circuit of the Cairo Criminal Court, convening at the Badr Court Complex, decided on March 3, 2026, to renew the pretrial detention of journalist and writer Sayed Saber for a period of 45 days, pending investigation in Case No. 6499 of 2024.
On March 2, 2026, the same court renewed the pretrial detention of Norhan El-Sayed Ahmed Deraz for the same period, pending investigation in Case No. 3528 of 2024.
A lawyer representing the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) attended both hearings and formally requested the immediate release of both individuals, citing the significant deterioration in their health conditions.
Sayed Saber underwent cardiac surgery on April 25, 2025, after which he was hospitalized and later returned to 10th of Ramadan Prison.
Norhan Deraz has reported denial of essential medications and blankets in prison, despite her serious medical condition, which requires specialized medical care. She suffers from a uterine tumor requiring surgical removal, is dependent on thyroid medication following thyroidectomy, and has other chronic conditions requiring continuous medical supervision.
Sayed Saber, a writer known for his satirical stories and critical articles, was arrested at his residence on the evening of November 27, 2024, and brought before the prosecution for investigation due to a post published on Facebook.
The Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) charged him with joining a terrorist organization, spreading false news, and misuse of social media platforms. His pretrial detention has been repeatedly renewed, despite his serious health conditions, including two prior cardiac surgeries and chronic illnesses.
Saber holds bachelor’s degrees in Social Sciences and in Journalism and Media from Cairo University. He has contributed to numerous Egyptian and Arab publications, and authored several short-story collections, including Ghalia, Bo’ Bo’, The Pasta Farm, and Souti and the General, as well as a compilation of articles titled Bala Kalam Faregh (“No Empty Talk”).
Since his arrest, his family has endured prolonged hardship, awaiting each court session in hopes of his release. Holidays and family occasions have passed without his presence, yet his family continues to hope for his release during the holy month of Ramadan.
Norhan Deraz, a retired administrative officer at the Directorate of Social Affairs, was arrested at her home in Hadayek Al-Ahram, Giza Governorate, on August 5, 2024, and later appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution in New Cairo (Fifth Settlement) on August 17, 2024.
She was investigated over a Facebook post criticizing economic and political conditions and placed in 15 days pretrial detention, facing charges including joining a banned group, receiving foreign funding, disseminating false news, and misuse of social media, before being transferred to the 10th of Ramadan Women’s Prison.
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) is leveraging the holy month of Ramadan, which embodies justice, mercy, and reconciliation, to renew its call for the immediate release of individuals detained for exercising freedom of opinion and expression, whether in pretrial detention or serving sentences.
As part of its “Ramadan Without Bars” campaign, ECESR highlights the plight of detainees in opinion-related cases, advocating for their release and that of all similarly detained individuals, so they may reunite with their families and regain their fundamental right to liberty.
The Center therefore urgently calls for the release of Sayed Saber and Norhan Deraz, along with all persons detained for exercising freedom of opinion and expression, ensuring that their Ramadan is not spent behind bars.
