On 8 February, Zaki was brought to a public prosecutor’s office and prosecutors ordered his detention for 15 days pending investigations[1] into allegations of spreading fake news and calling for unauthorised protests.[4] The chief prosecutor denied allegations of police torture.[5] On March 10, the Egyptian authorities suspended prison visits to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but did not introduce alternative means of communication between families and detainees as prescribed by Egyptian law.[6] Zaki suffers from asthma and is at particular risk if exposed to COVID-19 in Tora Prison.