After four months in solitary confinement in a male prison, Malak al-Kashif, a transgender woman who was arrested for being a part of a “terrorist group”, was released yesterday as per the decision of the Supreme State Security Prosecution. News of the 19-year-old being arrested at her home on March 2019 sparked a social media movement demanding her release as fears of the possible threats she may face once placed in a male detention center increased. According to an article by Mada Masr, at least 70 people who took part in the demonstrations have been arrested, but 10 have since been released. Malak was arrested after participating in the anti-government protests triggered by the horrific train explosion at Cairo’s Ramsees railway station back in February 2019. However, after her arrest by the National Security Agency, Malak’s location remained unknown to her family and lawyer. It was later revealed that she was confined in Tora prison As soon as news of her arrest circulated on social media, people expressed their concern for her vulnerable position given that her national identity card and official papers still list her as a male. Malak…
Egyptian Authorities Free Trans Woman and LGBT+ Activist After 4 Months in Prison
July 16, 2019
