Guidance

Information pack for British Nationals detained or imprisoned in Egypt

Updated 9 April 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/egypt-prisoner-pack/information-pack-for-british-nationals-detained-or-imprisoned-in-egypt

This information is not meant to be definitive, and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Neither His Majesty’s government nor its staff take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information, nor accept liability for any loss, costs, damage, or expense that you might suffer as a result of relying on the information.  The information contained in this guide is general and factual.  You should contact local lawyers for independent legal advice.

1. Chapter 1: Key points

2. Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you, but they cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer.  Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad: a guide.

This detention information pack is designed to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Egypt and who can help.  A printed copy is provided to those in prison or in custody.  We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

2.1 Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

  • the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British Embassy (and must do so if you want them to)
  • even if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself, and should do so, particularly if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
  • friends or family can also contact the local British Consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British Embassy even if you don’t want anyone to know that you have been arrested.  This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British Government which requires a mandatory notification to be made. 

2.2 Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London and in the British Embassies, High Commissioners and Consulates overseas.

The British Embassy in Egypt
7 Ahmed Ragheb Street
Garden City, Cairo
Telephone: +2 02 27916000
Fax: +2 02 27916133

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/egypt

http://www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-cairo

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on +44 0207 008 5000. 

2.3 What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help.  Once notified of your arrest or detention, consular staff will aim to contact you as soon as possible so that we can assess how we can help you.  We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions: our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Egypt, we often learn of an arrest informally from friends or family.  Once we are notified, we aim to contact you as soon as possible.

2.4 We can also:

  • provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-translators-and-interpreters-in-egypt)
  • provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
  • provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
  • keep in regular contact with you by visiting, whenever possible. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
  • tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
  • put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
  • in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
  • help to transfer money to you from your friends or family
  • in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

2.5 What we can’t do

  • get you out of prison or detention
  • help you get special treatment
  • offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
  • pay for any costs as a result of being arrested
  • forward you packages sent by friends or family
  • prevent authorities from deporting you after release

2.6 First steps

informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and can provide them with information about how to contact you in prison or detention.  With your consent, we can keep them updated on your well-being. We can also pass on messages from you.  However, they could find out information about your detention through other channels.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider the impact that not doing so might have.  For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police.  It is therefore possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances in which information about you may need to be shared by ourselves or authorities in Egypt.

Although we cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime, we can offer basic information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers – attached to this pack.  You will want to consider the benefits of local legal representation and to discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. In no circumstances can we pay your legal or interpretation costs.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, nor can we get special treatment for you because you are British.  However if you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards we will consider whether to approach local authorities.  This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards for fair trial or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families: (Prisoners Abroad)

3. Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Egypt

3.1 Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

It is possible to receive visitors whilst on remand or serving a sentence in an Egyptian prison.  Visiting hours are 1000 to 1300 every day except Fridays and Public Holidays.  It is necessary to obtain a visitors pass prior to a visit.  Family members can obtain a pass from the Prison Authority or directly from the Prison if the prisoner is already serving a sentence.

For those on remand, their family should apply to the Prosecutor responsible for the case. Prisoners are entitled to one visit every 21 days and an extra visit every month. We encourage all families to contact the Consular Section of the British Embassy for further advice on prison visiting.

What to expect when you visit

Visits take place in a communal area. Visitors should present an ID and expect to be searched before being allowed in.  The meeting normally takes between 15 – 20 minutes. 

What you can take on your visit

Visitors can bring in food, toiletries, reading material and deposit money into the prisoner’s account. Medication may be allowed with permission.

3.2 Visits: consular staff

We aim to visit British nationals every three months.  However, in some circumstances we might visit more often (e.g. if we are concerned about health or welfare, including mistreatment). We are not allowed to speak to prisoners or detainees over the phone.  You can inform us on matters of concern via your lawyer or the prison authorities.

3.3 Emergency trips outside of prison

It is possible to make a trip outside of prison on humanitarian grounds if an urgent situation arises (eg. funerals and critical illness of a prisoner’s next-of-kin). The Embassy will need to put in a special request for this to happen.

3.4 Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

Depending on the nature of the offence a suspect can be arrested by the police upon the authority of the Prosecutor or under Emergency Laws.  

Detainees suspected of crime or misdemeanours are usually held at a Police Station or in a Remand Prison.  They would normally be seen by a Prosecutor within 24 hours.  The Prosecutor should appoint an interpreter to translate for the accused person during questioning (provided by the Information Centre - TV building, Ministry of Justice or a person chosen by the Prosecutor).  Our list of Interpreters is attached for your convenience but neither His Majesty’s government nor officials of the consular section take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any interpreter on the list or for the consequence of their interpretation.

The detainee’s lawyer can ask for medical attention on behalf of his client.

3.5 Appearing at court

The Egyptian constitution provides that every person accused of a criminal charge must have a lawyer to defend him.  A court in a criminal hearing cannot try any person unless a lawyer is present to act for him.  This rule does not cover offences such as misdemeanours or contravention.  A person on trial before a court can either appoint a local lawyer at his own expense to defend him/her or, if a lawyer is not appointed, the court in a criminal hearing will appoint a lawyer for him/her without charge to the accused.

On the date of the hearing the accused appears in court before a Judge who will hear the case and pass judgment or postpone it for another hearing.  In criminal cases a postponement would only be for a few days unless the lawyer has requested further postponement.  Proceedings are conducted in Arabic.  If the accused needs to be questioned by the Court an official interpreter from the Ministry of Justice would normally be appointed. The accused is not expected to pay for this service

3.6 Initial arrival at prison

When someone is arrested they are held in police custody initially.  The period in police custody can last many weeks.  Detainees will be taken before a prosecutor who will decide on remand conditions.   

Conditions in police detention are often very difficult.  Overcrowding is a problem and access to toilets and showers and restricted.  Beds or mattresses are not usually available.  Only very limited rations, usually bread and water, are supplied; the expectation is that a detainees family or friends will supply them with food. 

Any belongings that are not part of the investigation, process, or evidence will be sent to the prison, if the prison has enough space to keep them. It is unfortunately not unusual for some belongings to go missing right after arrest or during prison transfers.

3.7 Prison: conditions and daily life

3.8 Accommodation

Prisons in Egypt are very basic and do not have the same facilities as a UK prison (eg. recreational & computer facilities). Some do have television.

Overcrowding is a problem and most prisoners are kept together in large cells, you cannot expect a single cell as a matter of course. Beds or mattresses are not usually available. Unfortunately, the Embassy is not allowed to buy new mattresses; you will need to wait until the prison provides you with one or ask for permission to bring one from outside the prison at your own cost.

White Prison Uniforms are provided to prisoners. 

3.9 Food and diet

Food in Egyptian prisons is basic, however each prison has a canteen.  It is possible to supplement the diet by having a prison account - a prisoner can then buy various food items such as meat and vegetables, fruits, etc. You are also allowed food from family members and friends during visits.

3.10 Hygiene

The conditions of toilets and showers are extremely poor in Egyptian prisons. Toiletries can be provided by visitors or bought from the prison canteen.

3.11 Work and study

Some of the Egyptian prisons have work facilities, i.e. wood work, bead work, etc. The prisoner should apply to the Prison Governor to join one of the workshops if there is an availability and if security clearance is granted.

The prisoner can also apply to study for a local qualification of his/her choice (in English, if available). If accepted, they will also be allowed to sit in an exam.

3.12 Contact and languages

Prisoners can normally communicate with their inmates unless specific restrictions have been put in place due to misconduct. In High Security prisons, communication might be prohibited.

Most of the prison staff does not speak English. If possible, the prison authority tend to put foreign prisoners together to facilitate communication and interpretation. In some prisons, local language classes are available, for those who wish to learn the local language.

Leisure and entertainment facilities vary from being very basic with no facilities to prisons with different workshops, library, closed gym and open sports yard. 

Prisoners Abroad can provide English Language books, magazines etc. The Embassy will also try to provide reading material during their visits. 

3.13 Exercise

Some prisons have no facilities, while others have a closed gym and open courtyards. Unless specific restrictions are in place due to misconduct, prisoners are allowed 1 to 2 hours exercise every day. In High Security prisons, exercise might be prohibited.

3.14 Climate

The weather is very hot and humid in summer, and cold in winter.  Appropriate clothing is provided by the prison authorities. Prisoners are allowed to receive clothing from relatives or friends as long as they match the prison uniform colour and specifications.

3.15 Religion

Prisoners are entitled to take part in religious services of their choice. They also receive regular visits from a minister of their faith (priest or sheikh).

3.16 Rules and regulations (drugs)

  • drugs and alcohol are forbidden inside prisons. Drug replacement treatments for addicts are not available in Egyptian  prisons
  • tobacco cigarettes are allowed inside prisons
  • use of cell phones is forbidden inside prisons
  • any breach of the rules and regulations may result in self-confinement

Good behaviour may in some cases, be rewarded by giving the prisoner some clerical or other responsibilities within the prison. It may also lead to an early release in some cases, depending on the type of crime and sentence involved.

3.17 Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

Having cash is forbidden in prison. Cash can only be deposited into your account in prison. When you purchase items from the canteen the money is deducted from your account.

There are two ways in which you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison.

  • private Funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
  • Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family can’t support you    financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The British government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) operates a “Prison Comfort” system for money transfers to prisoners. Please ask your family to get in touch with the FCDO in order to arrange this.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 
Desk Officer for North and West Africa
Consular Directorate
London
SWIA 2 AH
Tel:  02070085000
Fax: 020 7561 6821

We are unable to receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

In addition, Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity, may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not in receipt of any regular donations from other sources.

Prisoners Abroad can send a quarterly sum via the Embassy. Let the Embassy know if you need this support, or write directly to Prisoners Abroad:

Address:

83-93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
Tel: 020 7561 6820
Fax: 020 7561 6821                                          

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk

Medical and dental treatment

Most Egyptian prisons have internal hospitals and clinics. These are modestly equipped.  If you need specialised medical attention, you should ask the prison Governor or one of the officers. Medication may not always be available at the prison pharmacy. The prison could arrange to purchase prescribed medication on your behalf using your account in prison.  

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also liaise with your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records and this is in your vital interests.

Ophthalmologists are also available in prisons and prisoners can get eye glasses, if they need it.

Letters and parcels

It is possible to send and receive mail whilst in prison.  However, the Prison Authority will check all mail in and out of the prison.  Consular Section tries wherever possible to deliver any letters and mail from family and friends in the UK. All letters sent to the Embassy are opened before they are given to prisoners to check for prohibited items.

Telephone calls

No prisoner can have access to phones and you cannot make phone calls. If you are caught trying to use a mobile phone inside the prison you will be punished according to the prisons’ regulations.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, please inform Consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and inform you of any local complaints procedures. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, please try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible photos of the injuries you received.

A prisoner can raise a complaint directly through the police station/prison governor or through his lawyer.

4. Chapter 3: the Egyptian judicial system

4.1 Is the system the same as the UK?

The Egyptian legal system is different from that of the United Kingdom.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

4.2 What should happen after you are arrested

Depending on the nature of the offence a suspect can be arrested by the police upon the authority of the Prosecutor or under Emergency Laws.  

Detainees suspected of crime or misdemeanours are usually held at a Police Station or in a Remand Prison.  They would normally be seen by a Prosecutor within 24 hours.  The Prosecutor should appoint an interpreter to translate for the accused person during questioning (provided by the Information Centre - TV building, Ministry of Justice or a person chosen by the Prosecutor).  Our list of Interpreters is attached for your convenience but neither His Majesty’s government nor officials of the consular section take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any interpreter on the list or for the consequence of their interpretation.

Should you have any questions concerning the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. A list of local English-speaking lawyers is provided at the end of this pack.

4.3 For how long can I be remanded in custody?

The Prosecutor may: 

  • order the accused to be held for 4 days in the Police Station or Remand Prison pending further investigation
  • order the accused to be released on bail. This may involve the retention of their passport or payment of a financial bond
  • levy a fine, if the case is proven and concluded by the Prosecutor
  • release the accused, if the case is not proven

Lawyers can be with their clients during the questioning by Prosecutor; they are not however permitted to take any part in the proceedings and are there only as observers.  They have the right to read the case papers and request release on bail.

On the fifth day of detention, the detainee should be seen by a Magistrate at a primary court which covers the area where the charge is lodged.  The Magistrate has the authority to extend the period of detention or release on bail regardless of the Prosecutor’s recommendation.  The Lawyer can be present in court.  The period of detention can be extended to 45 days from the fifth day of detention.  

During the period in detention or on bail, the questioning could continue if the Prosecutor has not yet reached a decision on the case and a date for the hearing of the case at a primary court before a Judge should be set.  

If the date of the hearing was not set, the detainee would normally be seen again by the Magistrate who may extend the period of detention for another 45 days.  

If the Emergency Law is in force, and a date for the trial is still not fixed, the case will be heard at the Criminal Court for further extensions of 45 days each. There is no maximum period for an extension set by the Criminal Court.

New amendments to the Criminal Procedures Law were applied in August 2006. In strict compliance with the provisions of both the Code of Criminal Procedures and the Prison Internal Regulation as amended, the maximum period of provisional detention is 6 months for misdemeanours, 18 months for felonies and two years for crimes punishable by life imprisonment or a death sentence. The same could be repeated one more time for a maximum period of six months. Amendment introduced to the Code of Criminal Procedures allows indefinite detentions in cases involving the death penalty or life imprisonment.

4.4 After you are charged

When someone is sentenced the following would take place:

  • the prisoner is taken to the Police Station
  • then to the Police Directorate for a file to be opened
  • then to the appropriate Police Force which covers the case i.e. for drug charges to the Anti-Narcotics Administration for another file to be opened
  • and then to the prison

If the accused is found not guilty, the following would take place:

  • the accused is taken to the Police Station or Prison if in detention
  • then to the Police Directorate
  • then to the Specialised Police Force
  • then to National Security (local)
  • then to the Passport and Immigration Office
  • then back to the Prosecutor
  • then released from either the Passport and Immigration Office or Police Station

This process can take several days.

4.5 Bail

There is provision for bail; this can be requested at the initial hearing, at a later stage on application from a lawyer, or at trial if you are given a sentence and then make an appeal.

The FCDO is not able to facilitate the transfer of bail funds.

The Egyptian constitution provides that every person accused of a criminal charge must have a lawyer to defend him.  A court hearing a criminal case cannot try any person unless a lawyer is present to act for him.  This rule does not cover offences such as misdemeanours or contravention.  A person on trial before a court can either appoint a local lawyer at his own expense to defend him/her or, if a lawyer is not appointed, the court in a criminal hearing will appoint a lawyer for him/her without charge to the accused.

Trial

On the date of the hearing the accused appears in court before a Judge who will hear the case and pass judgment or postpone it for another hearing.  In criminal cases a postponement would only be for a few days unless the lawyer has requested further postponement.  Proceedings are conducted in Arabic.  If the accused needs to be questioned by the Court an official interpreter from the Ministry of Justice would normally be appointed. The accused is not expected to pay for this service.

Sentences

Sentences in Egypt vary from 3 months up to the death penalty, depending on the case. 

Appeals

An appeal in a criminal case is brought before the Supreme Court and must be made within 60 days from the date of judgement.  The appeal is made by submitting a writ signed by a lawyer who is permitted to appear before the Supreme Court, to the Clerk in charge of the court.  The accused will be advised when a hearing is fixed and the case will be heard by one of the five counsellors appointed to the Court.

An appeal in a misdemeanour case is brought before the Misdemeanour Court of Appeal and must be made within 10 days from the date of judgement if it is made by the accused (or the lawyer) and 30 days if it is made by the Public Prosecutor.  The appeal is made by submitting a declaration by the accused or the lawyer to the Clerk in charge at the court which passed judgement.  The accused will be advised when a hearing is fixed. The case will be heard by one of 3 judges appointed to the court.  The timing of a decision will depend on the particular circumstance of each case.

4.7 Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Any person who has received a final sentence depriving him of his freedom may be conditionally released if he spends in prison two thirds of the duration of his sentence and his behaviour during his stay in prison indicates that he has been reformed, unless his release may threaten the public security.

Early release

Pardon is governed by the sovereignty of the state. It cannot be founded on sympathy with the convicted person but it is based on considerations derived from the public interest. If according to his discretion, the president of the republic decides that the non-enforcement of the penalty will be in the best interest of the society, such pardon shall constitute an action of grace justified by the benefit of the society and not the right of the convicted. It is not likely that the convicted claims his right to amnesty due to the presence of certain conditions in his interest. 

Moreover, the scope of pardon covers all the convicted persons without differentiating between those who have committed the crime for the first time or those who have repeatedly committed it, neither does it differentiate between nationals and foreigners. 

Clemency or pardon

If the circumstances necessitate that the judge adopts clemency, then criminal custodial penalties depriving from freedom are the only penalties allowed to be replaced with lighter ones.

Financial penalties

In principal, a release on parole cannot be granted except after the prisoner fulfils the obligations imposed on him by the criminal court, unless it is impossible for the prisoner to fulfil such obligations. Furthermore, the prisoner shall not be acquitted from the value of the ruled fine except after full payment of such fine.

In the event that the prisoner fails to pay the amount of the fine, it may be collected via administrative means, by imposing seizure on the prisoner’s belongings. Selling such objects or belongings and paying the fine from the proceeds of such sale. 

The public prosecution may render an order of attachment for the collection of the fine amount. In this case, it shall be calculated as one day for each five pounds, whilst the attachment period shall not exceed three months. 

The prisoner may request from the public prosecution, before it renders the order of attachment, to replace it with a handcraft or industrial work.

The prisoner may request from the public prosecution to allow him to pay the fine amount or the amounts remaining thereof in instalments, or submit a request to the judge of the court of summary of the jurisdiction where the ruling is being executed to allow him to pay the fine in instalments, provided that the period of instalments shall not exceed nine months.  

Transfer to another prison within Azerbaijan

With support from the consular staff, a request could be submitted to the Prisons’ administration. Although there is no guarantee that it would happen, yet there is still a possibility.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

A Prisoner Transfer Agreement was signed between the British and Egyptian Governments in 1993. It formally excludes prisoners serving sentences for drugs related offences.  

The Prisoner Transfer Agreement provides for a British citizen prisoner to be transferred to the UK to continue serving his sentence as long as the following conditions are met:

  • the prisoner is a British citizen
  • the judgment is final, or the prisoner has waived any rights of appeal
  • at the time of receipt of the request for transfer, the prisoner still has at least six months of sentence to serve or the sentence is indeterminate
  • consent to the transfer is given by the prisoner, or where in view of his age or physical or mental condition it is considered necessary, by a person authorised to act on his behalf
  • the crime for which the sentence has been imposed constitute a criminal offence in the UK or would constitute a criminal offence if committed there
  • The  government of the UK and the Arab Republic of Egypt agree to the transfer
  • In exceptional circumstances, the parties may agree to a transfer even if the time to be served by the prisoner is less than six months

Find out more about transfer to a UK prison.

4.8 Release and deportation

The prisoner shall be released at noon of the day following the completion of his sentence, if there is no decision to place the prisoner under police supervision, if he is not wanted by police or if he is not to be handed over to police in view of the type of crime he committed. In some cases, release procedures could take up to 10 days to finalise.

4.9 Presidential Decree of 2014

On 12 November 2014, a presidential decree allowing the president of the State to order the extradition of foreign defendants and convicts to their respective countries whenever the nation’s interest necessitates this. The decree does not restrict drug crimes. It has still been largely untested.

4.10 Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is therefore possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

5. Chapter 4: Additional information

5.1 Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned overseas. It is the only UK charity providing this service and it is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad is concerned with your health and welfare, both during your imprisonment and also on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family during your imprisonment. In order to access any services, prisoners must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer will vary from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

  • your rights as a prisoner and issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
  • obtaining magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
  • learning the language of your country of imprisonment
  • translation of documents
  • grants for food if you are in a developing country and don’t have funds from other sources
  • grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you don’t have funds from other sources
  • preparing for release
  • help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting

Prisoners Abroad
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK

Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7561 6820

or, for your relatives in the UK, Freephone: 0808 172 0098

(Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30 am to 6pm, and Wednesdays to Fridays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, UK time)

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk

Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk

6. Glossary of terms

6.1 Useful legal terms and Key phrases – English into Arabic

English Phonetic pronunciation Arabic
Hello Ahlan wsahlan أهلا و سهلا
My name is Ana Esmy أنا إسمى
Good morning Sabah Al Kheer / Sabah al full صباح الخير
Good evening Masaa Al Kheer مساء الخير
Excuse Me Baad Eznak بعد إذنك
Thank you Shokran شكرا
Please Momken/ lawo samaht ممكن / لو سمحت
I don’t know msh aref مش عارف
Could you repeat that more slowly momken tetklem tany beraha ممكن تتكلم تانى براحه
I am sorry ana asif أنا أسف
How much does this cost bekam dah بكام ده
Yes naam نعم
No laa لا
Do you mind if I smoke momken adakhen ممكن أدخن
Could you write that down for me momken tektably dah ممكن تكتبلى ده
What time al saa kam الساعه كام
I’m fine ana kowayes أنا كويس
I’m cold ana bardan أنا بردان
I’m hot ana haraan أنا حران
This is urgent dah mohem ده مهم
I want to make a complaint ana andy shakwa أنا عندى شكوى
I want to send this letter ana momken abaat al gawab dah أنا ممكن أبعت الجواب ده
Could you translate for me momken tetargmly ممكن تترجملى
I need to see the doctor momken ashof al doctor ممكن أشوف الدكتور
I am bleeding Ana banzef أنا عندى نزيف
I have a fever Ana sokhn أنا سخن
I have a cold Andy bard عندى برد
I have a headache Andy Sodaa عندى صداع
I have cramps Andy takalosat عندى تقلصات
I am diabetic Andy Sokar أنا مريض سكر
I need to sleep Mehtag anam محتاج أنام
I need to call the Embassy Momkn aklem sefarty أنا عايز أكلم السفارة
I need to see my lawyer Momkn ashof el mohamy أنا عايزأشوف المحامى
I’m hungry Ana Gaaan أنا جعان
I’m thirsty Ana aatshan أنا عطشان
I need to use the toilet Momkn astaamel el hamam أنا عايز أستعمل الحمام
I need to take a shower Momkn astahma أنا عايز أستحم
Amnesty / Pardon Afou عفو
Appeal Istinaf استئناف
Application form Talab طلب
Bathroom Hammaam حمام
Blanket Battaniya بطانية
Blood test Tahlil dam تحليل دم
Book Kitab كتاب
Case Kadiya قضية
Case number Rakam al Kadiya رقم القضية
Clinic Eyada عيادة
Complaint Shakwa شكوى
Court Mahkama محكمة
Deportation Tarhil ترحيل
Deposit Amanat امانات
Doctor Tabeeb طبيب
Embassy Sefara سفارة
Food Taam طعام
Guilty Mouznib مذنب
Hearing session Galasat Istimaa جلسات استماع
Indictment Al Touhma التهمة
Innocent Barei برىء
Interpreter Moutargem مترجم
Jail Segn سجن
Judgement Mouhakama محاكمة
Lawyer Mouhami محامى
Library Maktaba مكتبة
Money Feloos فلوس
No Problem Ma fish Moushkila مفيش مشكلة
Plaintiff Al Moudaii مدعى
Police Shurta شرطة
Power of attorney Tawkil توكيل
Prison Director Maamour مامور
Prison rules Nezam Al Segn نظام السجن
Problem Mushkila مشكلة
Prosecutor Niyaba نيابة
Release Efrag افراج
Security Amn امن
Sentence Hokm حكم
Sick Mareed مريض
Soap Saboon  
Telephone call Moukalamet telephone مكالمة تليفون
The Accused Al Mutaham المتهم
To buy Ashtary اشترى
Tomorrow Boukra بكرة
Visit Zieyara زيارة
Ward number Rakam Al Anbar رقم العنبر
Water Maya ميه
Witness Shahed شاهد
Head Raas رأس
Skull Gomgoma جمجمه
hair Shaar شعر
Face Wagh وجه
Eye Ein عين
Nose Anf أنف
Mouth Fam فم
Lips Shafayf شفايف
Tongue Lesan لسان
Ear Wedn أذن
Neck Rakabah رقبه
Shoulder Ketf كتف
Chest Sadr صدر
Breast Sedr ثدى
Stomach Batn بطن
Back Zahr ظهر
Arm Zeraa ذراع
Hand Yad يد
Finger Sobaa إصبع
Explanation    
aa = Long ‘‘a’’ sound    

7. Annexes

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