A freelance columnist and well-known critic of President El-Sisi’s policies, Al-Gamal left Egypt in 2017. On February 22, 2021, upon returning from exile in Türkiye, he was detained and charged with spreading false news, joining a terrorist organization, and inciting public opinion against the state. Released on bail on July 17, 2021, Al-Gamal’s health deteriorated while jailed. He was released on July 18, 2021