Hidden hell: The growing crisis of female drug addiction in Egypt

On her wedding night 13 years ago, Wafaa found her husband injecting ayoun – a cheap powder-mix found in Egypt that gives users a heroin-like hit. “It’s just something fun,” he told her. Wafaa had already taken other drugs and pestered him to let her try it. He refused at first but later relented. She began taking it with him, and then going with him … Continue reading Hidden hell: The growing crisis of female drug addiction in Egypt

Sunset in the black hole: 500 days in prison

CAIRO: “I have been kidnapped and imprisoned, for almost sixteen months now. 500 days in prison, without committing any crime. My family are unable to negotiate my release. I am an innocent man.” This is how an open letter from 27-year-old Egyptian photojournalist, Mahmoud Abou Zeid – also known as “Shawkan” – begins. Shawkan was arrested on 14 August 2013, whilst photographing the forced clearance … Continue reading Sunset in the black hole: 500 days in prison