The National Council for Human Rights Follows the Case of Journalist Haider Kandil and Others

The National Council for Human Rights is closely following the investigations and judicial proceedings in Case No. 5653 of 2026 (Supreme State Security Prosecution), in which Haidar Qandil, a journalist with Al-Dostour newspaper, and others are facing charges within the framework of its constitutional and legal mandate.

While reaffirming its full respect for the Public Prosecution and its commitment to refraining from any interference in its work, the NCHR emphasizes that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a final judicial verdict. It further stresses that the guarantees of a fair trial, including the right to legal representation, the assistance of counsel, and the full enjoyment of all legal rights, constitute fundamental pillars of justice and the rule of law. NCHR also underscores the importance of ensuring that pretrial detention remains subject to the legal safeguards established by law and to periodic judicial review, in a manner that strikes a proper balance between the interests of justice and the protection of rights and freedoms.

NCHR further notes that Article 18(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) permits only narrowly defined limitations, under strict conditions, on certain manifestations of religion or belief, provided that such limitations are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, public order, public health, public morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.