For three weeks, a Sudanese family has been caught in limbo over the fate of their daughter, detained in Cairo amid conflicting official statements.
Authorities remain divided on her status: some claim she has been released, while others confirm she is still in custody for alleged “begging.”
The 28-year-old woman, who has been held since February 4 at the October 3 police station in Giza Governorate, entered Egypt legally with a passport, a UNHCR refugee registration card, and official residency documents, her family says.
Her sister, speaking to Radio Dabanga, described her confinement in a crowded cell with roughly 47 people.
During a visit 11 days ago, she appeared to be in deteriorating health.
She suffers from respiratory crises, urinary tract infections, vitamin D deficiency, joint and throat pain, and significant weight loss linked to malnutrition.
Family members say authorities have denied her access to medication, and it is unclear whether any treatments brought by relatives were administered properly.
Conflicting accounts have left the family uncertain.
The Sudanese embassy says she was released and is being transferred for residency procedures, while the police station denies holding anyone by her name.
A lawyer, however, confirmed she remains in custody, raising doubts about the embassy’s claim.
“I no longer know where she is, and who is telling the truth,” her sister said.
The case underscores gaps in communication between diplomatic and security authorities, leaving vulnerable individuals trapped in bureaucratic contradictions.
Human rights groups and the UNHCR have been notified, but the family continues to wait, fearing further deterioration in her health and wellbeing.
