The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms launches its periodic bulletin on “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship”to address the concerns and challenges faced by minorities, promote a culture of tolerance, reject violence and hate speech, and reinforce the values of citizenship. In this issue, the Commission highlights the most significant developments and violations related to freedom of belief and citizenship during September 2025.
The right to equality and non-discrimination is one of the most fundamental human rights. Article (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Article (2) of the UDHR further provides that:
“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin.”
According to Article (7) of the same Declaration:
“All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.”
Article (4) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination prohibits hate speech, stipulating that:
“States Parties condemn all propaganda and all organizations which are based on ideas or theories of superiority of one race or group of persons of one colour or ethnic origin, or which attempt to justify or promote racial hatred and discrimination in any form.”
Furthermore, Article (4) of the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief requires States to take all necessary measures to prevent and eliminate any form of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, including:
“Adopting all necessary measures in all fields of civil, economic, political, social and cultural life; enacting or rescinding legislation where necessary to prohibit such discrimination; and taking all appropriate measures to combat intolerance on the grounds of religion or other beliefs in this matter.”
The UN Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, adopted by the General Assembly, affirms that tolerance essentially means:
“Recognition of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.”
Similarly, the UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance defines tolerance as:
“Respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression, and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience, and belief.”
Below are the most significant developments and incidents related to “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship” during September 2025:
- September 1, 2025
Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt, inaugurated the Youth Leadership Preparation Conference, organized under the auspices of the Evangelical Community Presidency at the Agape House in Wadi El Natrun. The event was held in partnership with the international SLU Foundation, with the participation of several of its representatives from the United States, as well as TC Egypt Service, and in the presence of Rev. Tony George, founder of TC Service in Egypt and the Middle East.
The conference aimed to train and equip young people aged 15 to 20 with leadership concepts, as well as life and spiritual skills, while encouraging them to take responsibility toward their communities. The program included keynote sessions and workshops on topics such as excellence and motivation, time management, setting SMART goals, and the components of the leadership journey. It also featured sports and recreational activities, along with sessions for worship and spiritual reflection.
In his address, Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki emphasized that true leadership begins within — from solid values and deep faith that are reflected in service to others. He affirmed that “our faith in youth is our faith in the future,” stressing that the Church is a key partner in building young leaders and a new generation capable of meeting the challenges of the age with a spirit of responsibility and service.
- September 2, 2025
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, received Counselor Abu Al-Hussein Qayed, President of the Egyptian Judges’ Club, at the Papal Headquarters in Cairo.
The meeting came within the framework of the friendly relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and various state institutions, and the mutual keenness of both sides to exchange views on matters of common concern to society.
During the meeting, His Holiness stressed that the Coptic Orthodox Church, since its founding, has always been and remains a deeply national institution with a noble spiritual mission. It contributes to serving society through its educational, humanitarian, and community-oriented role, remaining distant from political involvement. He added that throughout its long history, the Church has consistently stood by the nation in all circumstances, upholding values of belonging and coexistence among all Egyptians.
For his part, Counselor Qayed expressed his deep appreciation for the Church’s role in strengthening citizenship and social cohesion, emphasizing that the Egyptian judiciary represents one of the pillars of the national state — a guarantor of justice and the rule of law. He noted that the Judges’ Club attaches special importance to fostering communication with all social institutions, believing that justice is the foundation of stability and development.
The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect. His Holiness expressed gratitude for the judges’ role in protecting rights and upholding justice, while the President of the Judges’ Club affirmed his appreciation for the national Coptic Church and the cultural and spiritual value it represents in Egyptian society.
- September 4, 2025
Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Ishaq, Patriarch of Alexandria for Coptic Catholics and President of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt, received Archbishop Stefan Hesse, Archbishop of Hamburg and Head of the Refugee Committee at the German Bishops’ Conference, at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Kobri El-Qobba, Cairo.
The meeting was attended by Father Kamil William, Father Michel Alfi (pastor of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Qubbat al-Hawa, Shubra), Dr. Alexander Kalbarczyk, Director of the Refugee Committee, Michaela Mockri, Secretary of the Refugee Committee, and Daniela Elbers, Media Officer of the Committee.
Patriarch Ishaq presented an overview of the history of the Catholic Church in Egypt, its active role in society, and the services and activities it provides. The discussions also addressed the situation of refugees and the efforts of churches in assisting them.
Following the meeting, the guests visited the church adjacent to the Patriarchal Headquarters, where the Patriarch offered explanations about the symbolism and spiritual significance of several features within the church.
- September 15, 2025
His Eminence Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayad, Grand Mufti of Egypt and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, affirmed that the challenges facing peace in our contemporary world are grave — beginning with armed conflicts and escalating disputes, and extending to extremist ideologies that distort religious texts and exploit them to justify violence and exclusion. He warned that such distortions “hijack religion from its noble purposes of mercy and justice, using it instead to inflame strife, sow hatred, undermine national stability, obstruct development, and distort the image of religions.”
This came during his address at the Second International Interfaith Dialogue Symposium, organized by the International Center for Interreligious Dialogue in Kazakhstan, in cooperation with Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy, under the title “Religious Leaders and International Partnership for Ensuring Peace and Sustainable Security,” held in the capital Astana.
Dr. Ayad stated that sustainable security cannot exist without equality and social justice, noting that social justice is not an intellectual luxury but a vital condition for long-term stability. The absence of justice, he said, invites oppression, discrimination, corruption, the erosion of peace, and the weakening of public trust in institutions — opening the door to chaos and violence.
He added that “the conscience of humanity cannot overlook the ongoing tragedy in Palestine, particularly in wounded Gaza, where an unarmed people confront a machinery of oppression with bare chests, steadfast in their land and sacred places — Muslims and Christians alike — united in blood and destiny.” He described this situation as “an open wound in the heart of human justice and a flagrant violation of human rights.”
The Grand Mufti underscored that Islamic civilization has historically demonstrated that peace coupled with justice forms the foundation for human and civilizational flourishing. During periods of stability and justice, scientific and intellectual progress thrived, arts and economies flourished, and cities expanded. Mosques, schools, and libraries — housing hundreds of thousands of manuscripts — were built, transforming Muslim lands into cultural bridges that transmitted knowledge to the entire world. He emphasized that “without justice, peace, and security, creativity would not blossom, nor would intellectual and scientific heritage have left an enduring mark beyond time and borders.” This historical lesson, he stressed, shows that justice and security are inseparable — there can be no civilization without stability, and no stability without comprehensive justice that safeguards rights and human dignity.
He further explained that the core teachings of all religions converge on values of just peace, universal mercy, and honesty, which make religious institutions integral partners in the peace equation. “They are not merely platforms for preaching,” he said, “but guardians of the moral foundations that sustain societies and underpin genuine global peace.”
Dr. Ayad stressed that achieving peace and sustainable security requires moving from theoretical dialogue to practical mechanisms, including:
- Promoting a culture of dialogue and acceptance of the other as the broadest gateway to building understanding among diverse groups;
- Turning diversity into a source of enrichment rather than conflict;
- Re-examining educational curricula and media content, given their critical influence on shaping collective awareness.
He explained that education and media are strategic pillars in shaping minds and attitudes, and when employed to strengthen coexistence and peace, they ensure the emergence of generations that believe violence and exclusion are paths to collapse, not progress. He also called for enforcing legal frameworks criminalizing incitement to violence and discrimination, and for drying up the sources of hate speech.
Dr. Ayad highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships among religious leaders, affirming that establishing shared interfaith dialogue platforms is not a formal gesture but a practical framework for managing religious and cultural diversity as a source of unity and strength. Such partnerships, he said, are vital in defusing conflicts with religious dimensions, countering hate speech, and promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence.
He also called for paying greater attention to imams, intellectuals, and thought leaders who have dedicated their lives to highlighting the tolerance of religious texts and promoting social peace, stressing that studying their experiences and theories provides valuable guidance for both present and future generations.
The Grand Mufti further underscored the role of Egyptian religious institutions in promoting peace and security, noting that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, with its spiritual and scholarly authority, leads the Egyptian Family House initiative in cooperation with the Coptic Orthodox Church, in a unique model of Muslim-Christian unity that has helped restore Egypt’s natural social harmony. He added that Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, through the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, has become a global platform for coordinating fatwa efforts and fostering cooperation among international religious leaders, contributing to preventive religious diplomacy, creating spaces for dialogue, and exchanging expertise to protect societies from extremist and violent ideologies.
He concluded by affirming that peace and sustainable security are a shared responsibility of states, societies, religious institutions, and international organizations alike. Religious leaders, he said, must understand that their mission extends beyond preaching — they are active messengers of peace, leading concrete initiatives to spread a culture of dialogue and coexistence. “Investing in the culture of peace,” he concluded, “is not a luxury, but an investment in the future of all humanity.”
- On 16 September 2025, the Local Development Unit of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) organized a training workshop entitled “Protection of Women with Disabilities and Mechanisms of Safeguarding.”
The workshop was attended by representatives from rehabilitation offices and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
It highlighted the specific circumstances of women with disabilities and the non-traditional forms of violence they may face within the family and community. The discussions also reviewed the legal and legislative framework for their protection and the role of institutions in enhancing such protection.
The session provided an opportunity for networking and exchanging perspectives among the participating entities, contributing to the development of more effective protection mechanisms for women with disabilities and promoting public awareness of their issues. - On 17 September 2025, the Refugee Sector of the Episcopal Church organized an awareness day for refugee families at Jesus the Light of the World Episcopal Church in Old Cairo.
The day began with a lecture on harassment, its consequences, and related psychological support, followed by another lecture on the family’s role and the importance of upbringing and education in shaping children’s futures.
The meeting also included an announcement of the services provided by Egypt Refuge Foundation, which offers medical clinic services, assistance programs, and employment support.
On the recreational side, the “Hearts That Love You” team presented a children’s program featuring short plays, various games, and face-painting activities that brought joy to the children’s hearts. The day concluded with the distribution of gifts to all attendees.
It is worth noting that the Episcopal Church’s Refugee Service Office provides assistance to displaced persons, refugees, and asylum seekers living in Egypt who have fled their home countries due to war or disaster. The office works to deliver humanitarian aid, psychological support, and help beneficiaries achieve self-sufficiency and self-respect. - On 19 September 2025, the Sinai Brotherhood announced the appointment of Archimandrite Simeon (Demetrios Papadopoulos) as the new Abbot of Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai, succeeding the former Abbot. His appointment crowns a long spiritual, pastoral, and educational journey spanning over four decades, during which he served the Church, strengthened monastic life, and engaged in extensive social and charitable activities.
Demetrios Papadopoulos was born in 1957 in the city of Piraeus, Greece. He graduated from the Faculty of Theology at the University of Athens and also obtained a degree from the Faculty of Philosophy.
He began his service as a catechism instructor, then as a secondary school teacher. He was ordained deacon in 1983 and priest in 1986, later elevated to the rank of Archimandrite and spiritual father.
He served as the first priest at Saint Demetrios Church in Tampouria – Piraeus, and joined Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Mount Sinai in 1988. He received the Great Schema in 1999 from Archbishop Damianos.
Within the Monastery, he assumed several responsibilities, including assistant steward, custodian of the holy relics, librarian, secretary of the brotherhood, and Dikaios (responsible for spiritual affairs).
He also headed the monastery’s dependencies (Metochia) in Athens for three years, and in Alipokhori – Megara for twenty-five years.
He succeeded his elder as head of the Orthodox Association “The Saviour” in Piraeus, which oversees a home for the elderly and an orphanage, and supervised the construction of a new building for the home for the elderly.
With his extensive experience and deep spiritual background, Archimandrite Simeon combines spiritual depth, administrative competence, and active service, continuing the sacred mission of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai — a global beacon of spirituality, scholarship, and Christian heritage through the ages. - On 21 September 2025, the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) launched the national initiative “Correct Your Concepts”, under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Dr. Eng. Mostafa Madbouly, in the New Administrative Capital, with broad participation from ministers, religious and executive leaders, and national figures.
In his address, Minister of Endowments Dr. Osama El-Azharī affirmed that the initiative is launched within the framework of the State’s vision for building the Egyptian citizen and under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as part of the Government’s program and the work of the ministerial group for human development.
The initiative aims to reinforce positive values and address negative phenomena in society. The Minister noted that an operations room has been established to coordinate among all ministries and bodies to monitor behaviors, develop comprehensive plans for addressing them, and ensure the initiative reaches mosques, schools, universities, and cultural palaces across all governorates under the supervision of governors.
The initiative covers more than forty behavioral, social, and intellectual issues, including: cheating in exams, traffic violations, bullying, harassment, drug abuse, smoking and e-cigarettes, water waste, violence against children and persons with disabilities, family disintegration, suicide, sports fanaticism, as well as misconceptions about jihad, misinterpretation of Qur’anic verses, legitimization of violence and obscenity, atheism, questioning patriotism, and spreading despair and pessimism.
Under the Microscope
On 1 September 2025, Engineer Ehab Mansour, Head of the Parliamentary Bloc of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party and Deputy Chair of the Manpower Committee in the House of Representatives, submitted a parliamentary question addressed to the Minister of Education and Technical Education regarding the increasing complaints from parents about the mechanisms for implementing the new Baccalaureate System.
Mansour explained that hundreds of parents had approached the Citizens’ Service Office to protest being compelled to enroll their children in the Baccalaureate System instead of the traditional General Secondary (Thanaweya Amma), despite Law No. 169 of 2025 – Article (37) bis explicitly stating that the system is optional and free of charge:
“The Baccalaureate System shall be an optional and free system open to those who have obtained the Basic Education Completion Certificate.”
He noted that some complaints reported threats by certain school principals against parents who refused to enroll their children in the new system, including the possibility of transferring their children to distant schools.
Mansour asked: “Will those who choose General Secondary instead of the Baccalaureate be punished?”
He emphasized that the Ministry’s official spokesperson, Shady Zalta, had stated only days earlier that the system was optional, denying rumors of allocating separate schools for Baccalaureate and General Secondary students.
Mansour further pointed out that the Education Committee of the House of Representatives had held three meetings in July 2025 attended by the Minister of Education, during which, in the session of Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Minister affirmed that both systems would coexist within the same schools. This statement was confirmed in the same session by the Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs and Political Communication.
Mansour questioned the contradiction between the legal text and official statements on one hand, and the actual practices in some educational directorates on the other. He stressed that imposing the new system in violation of the law constitutes an infringement of a constitutional right guaranteeing the freedom and accessibility of education, and violates the principle of equality and equal opportunity enshrined in Article (19) of the Egyptian Constitution.
He also inquired about the measures taken by the Ministry to ensure that local education directorates comply with the provisions of Law No. 169 of 2025 and respect the parents’ and students’ right to freely choose between the two systems.
In conclusion, Mansour called on the Minister of Education and Technical Education to immediately halt such practices and reopen online registration in a manner that ensures full freedom of choice, free from the pressures of certain school officials.
On 3 September 2025, novelist and political sociology researcher Ammar Ali Hassan commented on statements made by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health, regarding the significant employment opportunities available for Egyptian doctors abroad—particularly in the European health sector, which suffers from a shortage of medical professionals.
In a post on his Facebook account, Hassan wrote:
“Competent young doctors are leaving the country, and the less qualified remain. The number of medical professionals is decreasing, leading to higher costs for examinations and treatment. This government, in its odd approach, has chosen a solution fit for brokers, not for nation-builders or statesmen.”
He continued:
“Their solution is to export talent in exchange for remittances, even though halting the brain drain and building a robust healthcare infrastructure would have allowed Egypt’s strong medical sector—sought by Arab and African patients—to generate more income than the Suez Canal.”
On 5 September 2025, MP Maha Abdel Nasser, member of the Communications Committee in the House of Representatives, stated that blocking or shutting down any digital platform or online game is no longer an effective solution, pointing out that the world has moved beyond such measures and that there are far more efficient ways to handle harmful or illegal online content.
In a phone interview with journalist Elham Salah on the television program “Our Country Today”, Abdel Nasser explained that the Parliament regularly receives requests from some members to block certain platforms or online games. However, she stressed that such an approach offers no real solutions and instead imposes heavy financial costs on the State without tangible benefit.
She added:
“From a technical standpoint, any platform can be blocked, but users can still access it through alternative means, such as VPNs. Therefore, blocking is not an effective solution; it merely drains the State’s budget.”
Abdel Nasser emphasized that the Internet is inherently an open space and that some platforms may target sensitive age groups, particularly children, encouraging them to engage in inappropriate behavior. She highlighted the family’s vital role in monitoring children’s online activity and urged reporting any suspicious or illegal content directly to the Ministry of Interior.
She also noted that Egyptian law imposes strict penalties for cybercrime offenses, clarifying that the citizen’s role is limited to reporting violations, after which the competent authorities take the necessary measures to ensure community safety.
- On 10 September 2025, Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education, issued a ministerial decree implementing the recent amendments to the Education Law.
The decree stipulated that Religious Education shall be a core subject taught at all grade levels across all educational stages, in accordance with the approved content and grading structure defined in the ministerial regulations for each stage. To pass the subject, students must obtain at least 70% of its allocated grade; however, the marks will not be countedtoward the student’s overall total score.
The second article of the decree assigned the Central Administration for General Education to develop plans for organizing periodic competitions in Religious Education, with top-performing students to receive rewards and incentives, following all procedures outlined in the final paragraph of Article (1) of the Education Law, as amended by Law No. 169 of 2025. - On 15 September 2025, the Scientific Development Committee of the Egyptian Liberal Party issued a statement warning of the challenges facing the implementation of the new Egyptian Baccalaureate System, emphasizing that the system remains ambiguous in many practical aspects, which has caused growing concern among students and parents.
The statement highlighted that the absence of a clear plan to train and prepare teachers poses a serious threat to the success of the reform, stressing that teachers are the cornerstone of any educational development process.
The party also criticized the imposition of fees for additional exam attempts, arguing that it undermines the principle of equal opportunity and disproportionately affects students from low-income families.
Furthermore, the committee rejected the exclusion of second foreign language grades from the total score, noting that this decision weakens students’ competitiveness in the global job market.
The party urged the government to launch a broad public dialogue on the new system, accelerate teacher training, abolish additional fees, and restore the importance of foreign languages, warning that any reform that fails to account for real-world challenges risks becoming a burden on Egyptian families. - On 19 September 2025, Dr. Shawki Allam, former Grand Mufti of Egypt, affirmed that any tourist entering Egyptian territory enjoys all rights guaranteed by domestic laws from the moment of arrival—whether through air, land, or sea ports—stressing that the Egyptian state is fully committed to protecting visitors’ lives, property, and dignity.
Speaking on the program “Bayan lil-Nas” broadcast on Al-Nas TV, Allam explained that protecting tourists is not merely a legal obligation but also a religious duty, citing the Quranic verse:
“O you who believe, fulfill [all] contracts” (Al-Ma’idah: 1),
and referencing Imam Al-Qurtubi’s interpretation that “contracts” here mean “covenants.”
He noted that faithful believers are those who honor their covenants, while betraying them is among the signs of hypocrisywarned against by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Allam emphasized that throughout its history, Egypt has never betrayed anyone who entered under its protection nor deprived any human being of their rights. He underscored that Egyptian citizens are likewise obliged to treat tourists kindly and hospitably, reflecting the authentic spirit of Egyptian generosity.
He also pointed to Egypt’s experience in hosting nearly 10 million people who fled wars and chaos in their home countries in recent years, describing it as a clear testament to the state’s and society’s capacity to provide security and dignified hospitality.
Allam highlighted that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has consistently referred to these displaced persons as “guests,” not “refugees,” underscoring Egypt’s respect for their dignity and humanity. - On 21 September 2025, MP Dr. Freddy Elbayadi, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, stated that Parliament had witnessed intense debates and sharp divisions during discussions of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) Bill.
Elbayadi noted that despite repeated efforts to reject or amend the bill, these attempts were consistently thwarted by majority votes, turning the struggle into what felt like “fighting windmills.”
However, he added that the President’s decision to return the bill to Parliament without ratifying it proved that those efforts were not in vain.
Elbayadi explained that the Egyptian Social Democratic Party was the only political bloc that categorically rejected the bill in its entirety. The party, he said, had pursued every possible avenue: submitting textual amendments, exerting political pressure, collaborating with civil society organizations and legal experts, and engaging with other political forces—yet the parliamentary majority insisted on passing the law in its current form.
The MP expressed deep appreciation to all party members, its parliamentary bloc, and its leadership for standing firm against the tide and rejecting the bill on principle, affirming that this stance reflects the party’s commitment to its values and political integrity.
He also extended his thanks to several MPs from other parties who seriously participated in attempts to amend the bill, including MP Atef Maghawry (Tagammu Party) and MP Abdel Alim Dawood (Wafd Party).
Finally, Elbayadi thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for returning the bill, expressing hope that, after revision, the Criminal Procedure Law will emerge in a form worthy of Egypt and one that guarantees—both in text and in practice—criminal justice for all Egyptians. - On 22 September 2025, human rights lawyerNegad El-Boraistated that the Criminal Procedure Law—which President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi returned to the House of Representatives for amendments—requires a comprehensive review, not just partial corrections.
El-Borai added that “political prudence dictates that the current parliament should refrain from introducing amendments to the draft and leave this task to the next parliament,” considering that doing so would help avoid further controversyover provisions directly related to public freedoms.
He noted that there is a near consensus among political and legal circles that the law, in its current form, would not withstand constitutional scrutiny, which could result in the violation of many rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. - On 24 September 2025,MP Samira El-Gazzar, a member of the House of Representatives representing theEgyptian Social Democratic Party, submitted a parliamentary question to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar regarding the unjustified rise in medicine prices despite the stability of the US dollar exchange rate.
The MP pointed out that the pharmaceutical market has yet to recover from recurring crises involving price hikes, shortages of active ingredients, and the unavailability of essential drugs. She explained that for three consecutive years, patients—especially those with chronic illnesses—have suffered from shortages, high prices, or insufficient alternatives.
El-Gazzar added that the market is currently witnessing a new crisis between the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and the Pharmaceutical Division of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, due to what companies describe as “excessive fees” imposed by the EDA for its services, in addition to complaints about the slow and complex proceduresfor registering and analyzing new pharmaceutical products.
She confirmed that this crisis comes amid demands from 100 pharmaceutical companies to raise the prices of about 500 drugs, with proposed increases ranging between 10% and 30%, raising concerns about the availability of medicines as winter approaches, when demand for cold, cough, and antibiotic medicines typically surges.
El-Gazzar cited the head of the Pharmaceutical Division, who stated that the main cause of the shortage is pressure from certain companies seeking to force price increases by reducing market supply.
She added: “What is happening in the Egyptian market is unprecedented; there are no transparent pricing mechanisms. We are facing shortages in cough and cold medicines. Who can afford antibiotics whose prices have quadrupled in two years? Almost all medicines have increased in price, while the fees companies complain about have remained unchanged for six years, during which medicine prices have tripled.”
The MP argued that the crisis is not a natural shortage, but rather the result of deliberate market practices aimed at pressuring regulators to approve price hikes. She stressed that current calls for increases are unjustified, citing a ministerial decision allowing price adjustments only if the dollar rises by more than 15%, which has not happened in recent months. Nevertheless, most medicines have increased at unreasonable rates, placing an unbearable burden on Egyptian citizens.
El-Gazzar asked: “Where is the market oversight that protects patients from the pharmaceutical monopolists? When will the crisis of drug availability at fair prices for ordinary citizens end?”
She continued: “Where is the Pharmacists’ Syndicate? Its absence and the imposition of custodianship have caused disruptions across the pharmaceutical system, starting from distribution companies, which are now collapsing.”
She called on the government to intervene immediately to subsidize medicines considering inflation and declining household incomes.
Violence based on Belief and Hate Speech
- On 5 September 2025, Dr. Yousry Gaber, a scholar at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, stated that the creation of statues by some visual artists, which are displayed in public squares to commemorate great figures, remains religiously prohibited (haram), although it is considered a minor sin rather than a major one. He explained that such statues are not made for worship or prostration, but rather to honor historical or public figures, yet their ruling under Islamic law still falls within the category of prohibition.
Dr. Gaber clarified, during an episode of the program “Know Your Prophet” broadcast on Al-Nas TV, that the jurisprudential rulings regarding images and statues in Islamic law range between permissibility, dislike, and prohibition:
photographs fall under permissibility, hand-drawn images under dislike, and commemorative statues under prohibition, though these are minor sins, while idolatrous statues—those worshiped besides God—constitute major sins.
He added that the rationale behind the prohibition of images and statues in this context lies in their resemblance to the divine act of creation, a power that belongs solely to God Almighty, who alone possesses the attributes of creation, formation, and origination. He cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Majesty is My cloak and greatness is My robe; whoever competes with Me in one of them, I will punish him and will not care.”
Gaber explained that the image-maker or sculptor, through his act, partakes in attributes exclusive to God, which constitutes the basis of prohibition.
He further noted that the expressions in hadith mentioning ‘eternal punishment’ (khālid fīhā) do not always imply absolute eternity, but rather prolonged duration, as in the case of a murderer: if he justifies the act of killing, he becomes a disbeliever and abides eternally in Hell; if he remains a sinful believer, his faith prevents eternity in Hell and he may later be forgiven through intercession.
Dr. Gaber concluded by emphasizing that avoiding areas of religious disagreement is commendable, and that purifying one’s faith and conscience is always preferable. He prayed that God grant Muslims understanding, wisdom, and discernment in navigating such matters.
- On 9 September 2025, TV presenter Marwa Sabry, on her program“Qa’det Settat”(“Women’s Gathering”), criticized singer Amal Hijazi after the latter announced her decision to remove the hijab, sparking widespread public debate in recent days.
Sabry devoted a segment of her show to the issue, saying:
“Wear the hijab or take it off—but quietly. Don’t give us lessons or go on air saying things that might get you and us in trouble.”
She added:
“She said, ‘I follow the Qur’an only and not the Hadiths.’ How is that possible? Where did you learn how to pray then?”
Sabry concluded her remarks by saying:
“From her statements, Amal Hijazi seems confused and uncertain about what she wants. It’s like she’s trying to justify removing the hijab—but no one even asked her to.”
In her own interview with journalist Nidal Al-Ahmadiyah, Amal Hijazi discussed her experience with cancer and her decision to remove the hijab, saying:
“I wore the hijab a year or two after recovering from cancer, which I suffered from ten years ago. Praise be to God, I overcame it, and I pray for the healing of all patients.”
She added:
“What God asks of us is a pure heart and helping others. If He wanted us to cover our hair, He would have said, ‘O women, cover your hair.’ With all due respect to women who wear the hijab, it’s a personal decision. If you find peace of mind in it, wear it. If you feel better without it, you might be more capable of raising your children well, loving people, and loving God more in everything you do.”
Hijazi also advised everyone to undergo annual health check-ups, saying:
“If I hadn’t done the test, I wouldn’t have discovered anything.”
She added:
“I read the Qur’an daily—it’s my passion, and I can’t live without it.”
It is worth noting that Amal Hijazi first announced her decision to wear the hijab and retire from the arts in 2017, explaining that it came after a long inner struggle between fame and spiritual peace, and that she later found tranquility in her decision, which she made with full conviction.
- On 27 September 2025, liberal writer Hekmat Hekmat condemned an incident involving Sheikh Massaad, head of the Nag Hammadi bus station in northern Qena Governorate, who banned passengers from wearing shorts in microbuses and public transport.
Writing on her Facebook page, she stated:
“Everyone has turned into a moral enforcer, issuing commands and prohibitions! What’s next bringing back the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, and giving them whips to discipline anyone who disobeys? Where are you heading, Egypt?”
She continued:
“The Gulf has long abandoned this absurdity and is now focused on development, construction, and world-class education, while we are sliding back into the Middle Ages. Shame—truly shameful. Egypt is greater than all of this.”