Egyptian film director and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei appeared on the evening of May 16 before Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution, six days after he was forcibly disappeared following his arrest in Cairo on May 11.
According to his lawyer, prominent human rights attorney Khaled Ali, Marei was interrogated by prosecutors, who subsequently ordered his pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigation in Case No. 3835 of 2026 (Supreme State Security). He faces charges of deliberately spreading false news within Egypt, in connection with a number of posts on his social media accounts. Throughout the six-day period preceding his appearance, Marei was held incommunicado and denied access to both his family and legal counsel.
His reappearance comes after mounting concern among rights groups and observers over his disappearance. The Law and Democracy Support Foundation documented the case and had called for the immediate disclosure of his whereabouts, guarantees for his safety, and his release.
Marei was arrested on the evening of May 11 when a security force in civilian clothing reportedly raided his Cairo home without presenting a judicial warrant. Witness accounts indicate that officers forcibly entered the apartment, causing damage to property, before confiscating personal belongings, including electronic devices and cash. He was then taken to an undisclosed location.
From the moment of his arrest until his appearance before prosecutors, no official authority acknowledged holding Marai, and his family and legal team were unable to obtain any information about his fate or whereabouts. Formal telegrams were sent to Egypt’s Public Prosecutor and Minister of Interior on May 12, but received no response.
Concerns have also been raised about Marei’s health. He is reported to suffer from a thyroid disorder requiring regular daily medication, and is still recovering from recent wrist surgery that necessitates ongoing medical supervision and physiotherapy.
The Law and Democracy Support Foundation warned that denying him access to necessary medical care during his disappearance may have placed his life at risk and could amount to ill-treatment under international law.
The case has drawn growing international attention. The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) has called for Marai’s release, amid broader concerns about the targeting of artists and filmmakers in Egypt.
