Egypt Accuses Muslim Brotherhood of Spreading Lies about Prison Conditions

An Egyptian policeman near watch towers at Tora prison on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo, Feb. 11, 2020. (AFP)
An Egyptian policeman near watch towers at Tora prison on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo, Feb. 11, 2020. (AFP)
TT

Egypt Accuses Muslim Brotherhood of Spreading Lies about Prison Conditions

An Egyptian policeman near watch towers at Tora prison on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo, Feb. 11, 2020. (AFP)
An Egyptian policeman near watch towers at Tora prison on the southern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo, Feb. 11, 2020. (AFP)

The security authorities in Egypt have accused the Muslim Brotherhood of spreading lies about the conditions in prisons in the country.

In a statement reported by Egypt’s state-owned news agency, a security source denied what was broadcast by pro-Brotherhood satellite channels on violations against sentenced leaders from the banned organization.

Most of the organization’s leaders, which is deemed terrorist Egyptian authorities, are in prison due to their involvement in violent acts that took place following the ouster of late former president Mohammed Morsi on July 3, 2013.

They were sentenced to life imprisonment, and some are facing the death penalty.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior stressed that the rumors are false, dismissing them as ongoing attempts by pro-Brotherhood media to sow sedition.

It added that all prisoners were being provided with the necessary healthcare.

Egypt had previously organized visits by foreign officials to examine the situation at prisons and detention centers.

Moreover, it recently intensified its parliamentary and government action to respond to reports on the conditions at prisons.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
TT

US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.