The Supreme State Security Prosecution extended the detention of Ayman Essam, a cassation lawyer and legal advisor to the Old Rent Tenants Association, for 15 days in connection with Case No. 4881 of 2025, according to EIPR lawyer and member of Essam’s defense team. A representative from the l ُEgyptian’s lawyers syndicate (the bar association) attended the questioning session with the prosecution.

Essam was arrested in Alexandria while on his way to attend a founding meeting of the Old Rent Tenants Association.

On the evening of June 21st, two days after his arrest, he appeared before the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in New Cairo, where he was questioned for seven hours straight. The prosecutor charged him with joining a “terrorist” group and spreading fake news. The investigation revolved around the tenants’ association and Essam’s position on the old rent bill proposed by the government. The prosecution decided at the time to remand Essam in custody, and he was held at the “Correctional and Rehabilitation” Centre 6 in the 10th of Ramadan City. 

During the hearing on June 30th to consider the renewal of his detention, Essam’s defence explained to the prosecution that the charges against him were unfounded. As Essam had previously attended parliament sessions with an official permit in his capacity as a tenant representative. The defence team stressed that Essam was arrested for exercising his obligation as a legal representative of the tenants affected by the draft law.

EIPR condemns the charges against Essam, stressing that he has only fulfilled his duty as a lawyer to defend the rights of his clients affected by the proposed law. 

Essam tried to open the way for an honest societal debate on the old rent bill that - ironically - is being discussed by the House of Representatives today, the same bill that has faced many criticisms and objections from tenants, who will be affected and may face the risk of displacement or homelessness within years if the law is passed.

EIPR calls Public Prosecutor Mohamed Shawky to release Essam immediately and drop all charges against him. It also calls on members of the House of Representatives to stand with their constituents and to listen to their demands to preserve their constitutional right to adequate housing. EIPR urges the MPs to suspend any procedures regarding the passage of the old rent bill so that the proposals put forward to reform the law can be carefully examined. EIPR also calls for a serious and meaningful societal discussion with tenants and their legal representatives, including lawyer Essam, among the main stakeholders.