Egyptian Ministry of Interior officers are under scrutiny following the deaths of two men in northwest Egypt, an incident Human Rights Watch has described as potential extrajudicial executions. On April 10, 2025, Youssef El-Sarhani and Faraj Al-Fazary were reportedly killed hours after their arrest in Marsa Matrouh governorate.
The ministry claimed the men died during a shootout; however, evidence suggests they had surrendered to police custody prior to their deaths. “The killings in Marsa Matrouh are only the latest in a long line of abuses carried out for years with near-absolute impunity by Egyptian security forces,” said Amr Magdi from Human Rights Watch. He urged Egyptian authorities to form an independent judicial committee for investigation.
Reports indicate that on April 9, three noncommissioned police officers were killed during a raid targeting a fugitive involved in drug trafficking. Following this, police allegedly detained numerous women and girls to pressure relatives into surrendering. Although the Interior Ministry denied these arrests, community leaders mediated for the women’s release and facilitated El-Sarhani and Al-Fazary’s surrender as witnesses.
National Security Agency officers reportedly executed the two men shortly thereafter. Witnesses have presented evidence suggesting involvement by Interior Ministry officers. A mediator recounted contacting a National Security Agency officer who claimed responsibility had been transferred to ministry officials.
In response to public outcry and social media backlash, local authorities initiated an investigation but have yet to summon key officers involved. The Lawyers’ Syndicate in Matrouh has appointed legal representation for the victims’ families amid ongoing pressures for reconciliation.
Human Rights Watch highlights past instances where Egypt’s security forces have allegedly conducted unlawful executions under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s administration. They cite at least 755 fatalities across alleged shootouts between January 2015 and December 2020.
The United Nations mandates investigations into all potentially unlawful deaths regardless of formal complaints. Families affected should have access to independent processes including judicial inquiries.
Magdi called on international partners supporting Egypt’s police agencies with resources to demand accountability: “The apparent Mafia-style killing of two young men in Marsa Matrouh should serve as yet another alarm bell.”
