Today, the Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the renewal of the pretrial detention of filmmaker Omar Salah Marai for an additional 15 days pending investigations into charges of “spreading false news” in Case No. 3835 of 2026 (Supreme State Security), in connection with opinions he expressed on social media. This marks the fourth time the prosecution has renewed his detention pending investigation.
Omar suffers from a thyroid condition, in addition to complications affecting his hand and wrist. Several months ago, he sustained a wrist fracture that required surgical intervention, during which nine screws and two metal plates were inserted. He remains in the recovery phase and requires regular medical follow-up and physiotherapy.
During the most recent renewal hearing, his defense renewed its request for him to be referred to a mental health specialist in light of the severe psychological distress resulting from his continued detention. The defense also requested that he be examined by an orthopedic consultant and undergo imaging of his left hand at the site of the previous surgery, following the emergence of complications linked to detention conditions and the interruption of his physiotherapy sessions.
Since his arrest on 11 May and his subsequent appearance before the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 15 May, Omar has not received adequate medical care, leading to a gradual deterioration in his health condition. The organization warns that continued deprivation of medical follow-up and physiotherapy risks further exacerbating his condition, and stresses the urgent need to ensure regular access to his medication and the provision of specialized and timely medical care without delay.
The organization further notes that his continued detention on the basis of his opinions and peaceful expression raises growing concerns regarding the state of freedom of expression and artistic creativity.
The organization renews its call for the immediate release of Omar Salah Marai, the dropping of all charges against him, and ensuring his full and prompt access to necessary medical care. It also calls on artists, writers, journalists, and human rights defenders inside and outside Egypt to continue their solidarity with him and to sign the international petition calling for his release, which has so far garnered 263 signatures, reflecting the growing support for his case.
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