Head of Red Cross Delegation in Egypt expresses satisfaction over new prison complex

CAIRO – 3 November 2021: International Committee of Red Cross' Head of Delegation in Egypt Jerome Fontana expressed satisfaction over what he witnessed during last week's visit to the new prison complex dubbed "The Reform and Rehabilitation Center of Wadi Al Natroun."

Fontana's statements came during a meeting with Chairman of the Human Rights Committee at the House of Representatives Tarek Radwan Wednesday, and members of the committee.

Parliamentarian Mohamed Abdel Aziz lauded the efforts deployed by the Red Cross in Egypt and Africa asserting the necessity of exchanging experience in the field of human rights.

Further, Abdel Aziz pointed out that the Human Rights Committee follows up on the execution of "Decent Life" initiative, the National Strategy for Development, and the National Strategy for Human Rights.

The Ministry of Interior announced Thursday that the new prison complex in Wadi Al Natroun will substitute 12 prisons, constituting 25 percent of Egypt's prisons.

The ministry explained that the investment cost of shutting down those prisons exceeds the construction and equipment costs of the complex dubbed "The Reform and Rehabilitation Center of Wadi Al Natroun," and that was built in just 10 months.

The prisons to be closed are those of Cairo Appellate, Torra, Cairo Torra, Benha, Alexandria, Tanta, Mansoura, Shbein al-Kom, Zagazig, Old Damanhour,  Work Camp of Beheira, and Menya.

The ministry's press release was issued on the occasion of organizing a visit for diplomats, journalists, parliamentarians, and human rights activists to the facility.

The statement explained that the complex houses projects of industrial, agricultural, cattle, pourtly, and fish production. Those projects would both accomplish self-sufficiency at the complex's prisons, and generate income to prisoners.

Hospitals, consisting of 16 dialysis units, 4 operating theaters, 300 beds, 28 intensive care beds, isolation room, scan and blood test laboratories, blood bank, four baby incubators, specialized clinics, and a pharmacy, have been introduced either, as well as cells suitable for disabled inmates. 

The ministry noted that prisoners, who go through a critical health condition, get transferred to regular public hospitals.

Further, to facilitate the transportation of defendants prosecuted in custody and convicts appealing their sentences, a court complex has been established at the center and is being managed by the Ministry of Justice.

The court complex comprises eight trial halls, having a total capacity of 800 individuals. 

There are also a mosque, a church, and an addiction treatment rehab.