Marwa Arafa

Marwa Arafa (pronunciation) is a 33-year-old Egyptian human rights activist, translator and mother arbitrarily detained for over six years solely because of her peaceful activism. Marwa dedicated herself to supporting families of people detained for political reasons, as well as children who had been detained themselves. Sadly, her own daughter is now growing up without her after Marwa was arrested in front of her at just two years old. Her daughter, now aged 8, continues to struggle deeply with the separation. 

Marwa is being punished for showing solidarity with detainees, speaking out against abuses facing children and helping families with the costs of prison visits. In April 2020, Egyptian security forces raided her friend’s home, where Marwa was staying, and forcibly disappeared her for two weeks. She was later charged with unfounded terrorism-related offenses. She now faces an unfair trial on charges that can carry life imprisonment. 

Marwa’s health has seriously deteriorated in prison, where she has been denied adequate healthcare. Marwa’s situation highlights the abuse of terrorism laws in Egypt to target peaceful dissidents, human rights defenders and anyone seen as criticizing those in power. Marwa continues to hold on to hope, drawing strength from her love for her daughter and her belief in justice.