Egypt: Filmmaker Omar Salah Marei marks 100 days in detention

Human rights organizations are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei. Marei has been in pretrial detention for over 100 days following his eighth detention renewal by the Supreme State Security Prosecution.

Reports indicate that security forces raided Marei’s home on May 11, 2026, without a judicial warrant, allegedly damaging property and seizing electronics and cash. Following the raid, Marei was reportedly subjected to several days of enforced disappearance before appearing before prosecutors on May 16.

The charges against the award-winning independent filmmaker stem from social media posts criticizing Egypt’s political and social landscape, as well as satirical commentary regarding the national film industry. Advocates have also expressed grave concern regarding the denial of specialized medical care required for his health condition.