A Saudi Arabian physician detailed a harrowing experience of arrest and alleged torture while studying in Egypt decades ago, recounting the ordeal in a recent interview. The case underscores the political tensions and potential for abuse within the Egyptian justice system during that era.
Dr. Harb Al-Harfi Al-Balwi, a consultant in allergy, asthma, and immunology, described being detained after a classmate became involved in a discussion about politics and the rule of then-President Gamal Abdel Nasser. According to Dr. Al-Balwi, his colleague asserted that Nasser’s governance was not Islamic, leading to the classmate’s arrest and subsequent questioning about alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood – accusations the classmate denied.
Dr. Al-Balwi explained that his name appeared on a list alongside his classmate’s, as they were both registered as studying together at the Islamic Scientific College. Following a summer break, he said, his classmate informed police that members of the Muslim Brotherhood were loyal to King Hussein. Though, authorities indicated they were already aware of this information.
In 1966, Dr. Al-Balwi and others whose names were linked to his classmate were arrested and held in solitary confinement for a month before being deported. He recalled being unexpectedly apprehended while returning to his residence for lunch.
“I was surprised by the police surrounding the place and arresting me,” Dr. Al-Balwi said. He then saw his classmate, who reportedly broke down in tears, apologizing for the situation and saying, “They tortured me against my will.” Dr. Al-Balwi responded, “Don’t worry, it’s okay.”
The physician said he and his classmate were transported to the entrance of Muhammad Ali Citadel, where their personal belongings were confiscated with a promise of return “if you are good.” They were then placed in cells and subjected to continuous interrogations aimed at coercing them into making statements aligning with the investigators’ desires.
Dr. Al-Balwi recounted being forced to write a confession, which he initially stated was false and made under duress. However, the officer tore up the document and demanded he rewrite it according to their instructions. He alleged he endured severe beatings, to the point where he lost sensation in his face. “I stopped feeling my face from the beating,” he stated, adding that he was ultimately compelled to sign the dictated confession.
After a month, a fresh investigator questioned him about the confession, to which Dr. Al-Balwi reiterated it was written under torture. The investigator warned him that admitting this could lead to a death sentence. Despite the threat, Dr. Al-Balwi maintained he had written the statement under duress, emphasizing he had no affiliation with any political party and held no political preferences.
صحيفة المرصد originally reported on Dr. Al-Balwi’s account.
Wikipedia details Dr. Harb Ata Al-Harfi’s career as the first Saudi physician specializing in allergy and immunology.
bluwe.com published a profile of Dr. Al-Harfi, highlighting his journey from a nomadic upbringing to becoming a leading medical figure.
