Amnesty condemns Egypt detentions

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The human rights organisation, Amnesty International, says that about 18,000 people are being held in jail in Egypt without being charged or put on trial.

The organisation says they are being held under Egypt's emergency law, and most endure conditions amounting to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

The emergency law has been in force since the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981.

On Monday, its remit was extended by parliament for a further two years.

The government had originally said the emergency law would come to an end this year, and be replaced by new anti-terrorism legislation.

Supporters of the government say the state of emergency has brought stability to Egypt, in a region seething with turmoil.

The country has seen a number of recent allegations of routine abuse of detainees, including those detained on political or security grounds.

The government acknowledges isolated cases of abuse, but says it is tackling the problem.