Egyptian activist Ahmed Douma had spent a decade behind bars over his leading role in the 2011 uprising [Getty]
Egyptian political activist Ahmed Douma has been detained once again, four years after receiving a presidential pardon, raising fresh concerns over the authorities’ use of detention to silence dissent.
Egypt’s Supreme State Security Court on Monday ordered Douma be held for four days pending investigation on charges of “spreading false news”, according to judicial sources.
The charges include publishing “false statements, news, and rumours domestically and abroad that could disturb public peace”, accusations that human rights groups say are frequently used against writers, activists, and political opponents.
This marks the fourth time Douma has faced similar accusations since his release from prison in 2023. He had previously spent around a decade behind bars after being convicted over his involvement in anti-government protests in 2011.
Sources indicate that the latest investigation centres on an article Douma told The New Arab.
In the piece, he argues that Egypt has evolved into a “prison state” characterised by pervasive surveillance, arbitrary regulations, lack of accountability, and tight control over speech and movement.
Douma’s lawyer, Khaled Ali, said in a statement that the case raises questions about the rationale behind pardoning detainees only to subject them to repeated prosecution.
According to the human rights organisation Jiwar, authorities summoned Douma for questioning at his family home in Damanhour, in the Nile Delta, prior to his arrest.
“These policies will not silence the voice of truth, nor will they succeed in erasing demands for freedom,” the organisation said in a statement. “Rather, they will only increase their presence and determination”.
There has been no official comment from Egyptian authorities.
Opposition groups, including the Popular Alliance Party, alongside rights organisations such as the Nadeem Center and the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, have condemned the detention.
Members of Egypt’s Journalists’ Syndicate also called for Douma’s release, accusing the government of fabricating charges to suppress dissent.
Douma had previously been investigated in 2024 and 2025 on similar charges of “broadcasting false news and statements domestically and abroad that could undermine the prestige of the state”, before being released on bail.
Despite his 2023 pardon, Douma has remained subject to travel and work restrictions, with security forces repeatedly summoning him for questioning over his outspoken criticism of the government.