Renewal of Norhan Daraz’s Detention Despite Deteriorating Health; Family Appeals for Her Release
In a session held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Supreme State Security Prosecution extended the detention of Norhan El-Sayed Ahmed Daraz, age 54, in case number 3258 of 2024, accusing her of knowingly joining a terrorist organization.
Norhan, a retired director at the Directorate of Social Affairs, was arrested by security forces at her home in Hadayek Al-Ahram, Giza Governorate, on the evening of August 5, 2024. She was held incommunicado for 12 days before being presented to the Supreme State Security Prosecution in the Fifth Settlement on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
Her detention followed an investigation into a Facebook post in which she criticized economic and political conditions. She was subsequently detained for 15 days on charges of joining a banned group, receiving foreign funding, spreading false news, and misusing social media, after which she was transferred to the Tenth of Ramadan Women’s Prison.
Norhan has reported suffering in prison due to restricted access to medications and blankets, despite her serious health condition, which requires specialized medical care. She has a uterine tumor that requires surgery, needs medication for her thyroid following a thyroidectomy, and has other chronic health issues that require continuous monitoring.
Her family has appealed to security authorities for her immediate release, stressing her urgent need for medical care and highlighting the absence of legal grounds for her prolonged detention.
