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THE HUMAN RIGHTS
Prisoner of conscience
The Human Rights
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Sarah Hegazi
Sarah Hegazi was a human rights activist and a prominent member of the LGBTQ+ community in Egypt. She was known for her bravery and outspokenness against the widespread homophobia in Egyptian society.
In 2017, Hegazi attended a concert in Cairo where a rainbow flag was raised, signalling support for the LGBTQ+ community. The Egyptian government immediately cracked down on the event, arresting several people including Hegazi. She was held in prison for three months, where she was subjected to torture and abuse for her sexual orientation.
After her release, Hegazi fled to Canada where she sought asylum and began to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Egypt from a safe distance. However, the trauma of her imprisonment and torture took a toll on her mental health, and Hegazi tragically took her own life on June 14, 2020.
Her death sparked outrage and sadness among the LGBTQ+ community and human rights activists around the world. The hashtag #JusticeForSarah began trending on social media, with many demanding accountability for the Egyptian government’s treatment of Hegazi.
The case also brought attention to the widespread oppression of LGBTQ+ individuals in Egypt, where homosexuality is still criminalised and punishable with imprisonment. According to Human Rights Watch, LGBTQ+ individuals in Egypt face constant persecution, discrimination and violence from both the state and society at large.
Hegazi’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the need for international solidarity in the fight for justice. It also highlights the importance of mental health support for individuals who have experienced trauma and violation of their human rights.
As we honour her legacy and the contributions she made to the LGBTQ+ movement, we must continue to fight for justice, equality and dignity for all members of our community. Hegazi may be gone, but her courage and spirit will continue to inspire us to work towards a better world.
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