Prisons sterilized, PCR tests carried out to inmates

CAIRO – 1 June 2020: After suspending visits as a protective measure against COVID-19, the Ministry of Interior carried out PCR tests to inmates and sterilized prisons.


A medical staff carries out a PCR test for COVID-19 to an inmate at Tora prison – Press Photo

Masks have been distributed on prisoners and workers, and sanitizers and detergents have been made available in larger quantities. Also, prisons have been equipped with infrared thermometer guns.

The facilities sterilized at prisons included sleeping chambers, cells, libraries, kitchens, classrooms where illiterate inmates learn reading and writing, clinics, and hospitals.



On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, a total of 5,532 were released on May 24 as per a presidential pardon, announced the Egyptian Ministry of Interior in a statement.

Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al Sisi issued on May 23 a presidential pardon for 3,157 prisoners for the arrival of Eid al Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast). Meanwhile, the rest of the inmates were released on parole.

On May 4, 2020, a number of prisoners were released as per another presidential decree on the occasion of Sinai Liberation Day on April 25, as a series of presidential pardons have been issued during the past years. A total of 228 were pardoned as per the presidential decree, while 300 other inmates were released on parole.

According to the constitution, the president has the right to issue pardons for convicted prisoners after consulting with the Cabinet. However, the perpetrators of certain crimes are not eligible for a pardon. These crimes comprise arms trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking of more than 10 kilograms, “heroin” trade regardless of the quantity, and revenge killing. The decree was published in the official gazette.

Late in March, the Ministry of Interior's Prison Sector released 392 prisoners upon Presidential Pardon on the occasion of Police Day and the 68th anniversary of the epic Ismailia battle.