Political opposition has been subject to many injustices by the regime because of the Emergency law. Significant proportions have been detained without charge for many years. Although criminals have been released in the wake of the current revolution in order to attack the peaceful protestors, political prisoners are kept in total isolation and denied visitations. IHRC urges all campaigners to write to William Hague, UK Foreign Secretary, calling for the release of all political prisoners detained during Murabak's era. If Hosni Mubarak is serious about change and reform then the least that must be done is the release of all political prisoners. A large number of prominent political figures, intellectuals, bloggers and journalists have been arrested and detained for years under Emergency Law without charge or trial. Khairat Al-Shater, Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), has spent a total number of 12 years in Egyptian prisons. He was excluded from the presidential pardon along with other MB leaders despite completing half their sentence (which in Egyptian law would make them eligible for Presidential pardon). In January 2011, the State Security Court ruled against five prominent members of the MB in the “International Networking” case. They were sentenced to five years, despite their acquittal by the Civil Criminal Court. Dr. Osama Soliman, the only defendant who was present in Egypt during the case is currently detained in a hospital due to his deteriorating health. MB leaders are often referred to Military courts and State Security Emergency Courts after the civil courts acquits them from all charges. These courts operate under the Emergency law which allows the arrest of anyone without trial. IHRC calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners and an end to the use of Emergency law which does not allow appeals to a higher court. IHRC
