Families of people killed or imprisoned after Egypt’s Rabaa crackdown called for the release of political prisoners on the 13th anniversary of the violence. The report, published on August 16, 2026, said the memory of the bloodshed at Cairo’s Rabaa al-Adawiya Square remains vivid for relatives, many of whom also face the burden of prolonged political detention. They said accountability for the violence and prisoners’ release are necessary to address lasting social wounds.

On August 14, 2013, security forces attacked peaceful sit-ins by supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi at Rabaa al-Adawiya and al-Nahda squares in Cairo. Human rights groups said hundreds were killed. Human Rights Watch estimated at least 817 deaths, with the total possibly exceeding 1,000. Rights groups allege that no security force member or responsible official has been held accountable, while many participants received lengthy prison terms.

In July, rights activists launched a campaign seeking fair, transparent reviews of all political-prisoner cases and their release. A family gathering in Cairo in May also demanded releases, but Human Rights Watch said several organizers and associated people were questioned and detained afterward. The report said Egyptian prisons hold more than 60,000 political prisoners, including over 1,000 women.