UN should push for probe into ex-Egyptian president's death
Immediately after Dr Mohammed Morsi’s death on June 17, there were calls for a thorough, independent probe into the cause of death, while he was on trial in Cairo for espionage charges.
The United Nations was one of the organisations that demanded the investigation.
There is no indication, however, of any attempt to do so.
It is imperative that a credible inquiry is conducted at once under the aegis of the UN. It is alleged that when he collapsed in court, no medical attention was accorded to Morsi for about 20 minutes.
His family and supporters have accused Egypt authorities of conspiring to murder him.
In fact, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been emphatic in calling Morsi’s death a “murder”.
Under international humanitarian law, any sudden death in custody must be followed by an independent investigation.
Besides, Morsi, who was incarcerated for six years, often in solitary confinement, had various ailments, which could have impacted upon his death. He had diabetes, liver and kidney problems.
International human rights groups have maintained all along that Morsi was denied adequate medical attention, despite requests from Morsi and his family.
His prison conditions were harsh and inhumane. He had only three family visits for brief periods during his incarceration. Visits from his lawyers were severely restricted.
Morsi’s mistreatment in prison was all the more unacceptable because the charges levelled against him were politically motivated.
Surely, the death of the first democratically elected president of Egypt while in custody deserves to be investigated?
DR CHANDRA MUZAFFAR
President, International Movement for a Just World
IAIS Malaysia also endorses this appeal.
Published in: The New Straits Times, Saturday 29 June 2019