Watan – In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves throughout Egypt, the Ismailia Security Directorate was engulfed in flames. The independent news outlet, “Mada Masr,” has shed light on the unsettling lack of transparency surrounding the event, suggesting a deliberate attempt by the regime to obfuscate the true toll of the tragedy.
While the Egyptian Public Prosecution acknowledged the severity of the blaze, it conspicuously omitted any mention of casualties. Contrarily, the Ministry of Health reported the transfer of 26 individuals to medical facilities, primarily for suffocation and burn injuries. Notably, the Ministry of Interior, which should be at the forefront of such incidents, has maintained a disconcerting silence.
“Mada Masr” has taken on the mantle of investigative journalism, identifying mourning posts for 13 security personnel over recent days. These revelations starkly contrast with the official narrative or lack thereof.
Victims’ names from the Ismailia Security Directorate Blaze
The list of identified victims encompasses a range of ranks and regions, from Major Mohamed Rafat Labda of Sharqia to conscripts like Ali Asim Marai Ali Sabra of Sohag. The discrepancy between these findings and the official statements (or lack thereof) raises pressing questions about transparency and accountability.
Compounding the gravity of the situation was its timing. The fire coincided with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s anticipated announcement of his re-election bid. Amidst the backdrop of this tragedy, pro-regime parties organized celebratory events, a move that many view as tone-deaf given the unfolding crisis.
The Egyptian Network for Human Rights, echoing “Mada Masr’s” findings, has also named several victims. Their sources, rooted within the security apparatus, lend further credence to the claims of a higher casualty count than officially acknowledged.
As the smoke clears, the fate of many, including political detainees within the directorate, remains uncertain. The incident at Ismailia underscores the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to truth in an era where these values are increasingly under siege.