By Coptic Solidarity –
The appeal hearing scheduled for January 26, 2026 in the case of Dr. Augustinos Samaan has been postponed until next week, February 2, 2026, reportedly due to “difficulties in bringing the defendant to court.” This explanation raises serious concerns, given the stark inconsistency with prior proceedings.
Dr. Samaan was twice taken before the court without the knowledge of his lawyers or family, culminating in a secret conviction. His case was heard on December 27, 2025, then adjourned to January 3, 2026, when the court issued a judgment sentencing him to five years’ imprisonment with hard labor, with immediate enforcement and court costs. The sudden claim that he could not be transported for an appeal hearing is therefore both implausible and troubling.
Compounding these violations, the court continues to deny the defense meaningful access to the case file. According to court staff, instructions from the presiding judge permit counsel to review the file only by appearing in person, sitting in the secretary’s office, and visually inspecting the papers without photographing or copying them. This restricted and incomplete access makes effective legal defense impossible. As head of the defense team, counsel has refused to accept this arrangement and intends to formally challenge it at the next hearing, demanding full access and sufficient time to review and document the case materials.
There is also growing concern for Dr. Samaan’s physical and mental well-being, following reports of torture and mistreatment in detention. The Egyptian government bears full responsibility to ensure his safety, humane treatment, and access to necessary medical care, in accordance with its domestic and international obligations.
These ongoing procedural abuses and detention conditions further underscore the absence of due process in Dr. Samaan’s case and the urgent need for sustained international scrutiny and intervention.
