Security forces arrested Esraa Ashraf and others on December 27, 2013 following demonstrations in the Manshiyeh neighborhood of Bandar Qena. She was presented before the prosecution and charged with demonstrating without a permit and attempting to overthrow the government. A decision was issued to detain her pending investigations. She was released on January 1, 2014. It is mentioned that she was previously arrested on September 21, 2013.