Egypt has come under mounting international criticism over its human rights record, in light of hundreds of cases of deaths and torture in detention facilities, restrictions on freedom of expression and use of the death penalty. These days, the Muslim Brotherhood, banned by the government following the toppling of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013, is hoping to bring additional pressure to bear in continuing to seek accountability for the hundreds of protesters killed that year. Morsi's recent death has again put the spotlight on Egypt's treatment of prisoners in its care.
Following Morsi's death during a court appearance on June 17, Egyptian human rights organizations announced that Morsi's family and the Muslim Brotherhood, which he had led, hold the Egyptian government responsible for his death, accusing it of deliberately neglecting his health while detaining him under deplorable conditions. Meanwhile, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Morsi's death and to examine aspects of his treatment during his detention for nearly six years.
