The army and police forces used excessive force against individuals who were peacefully demonstrating in front of the Israeli embassy in Giza.
(EOHR/IFEX) – May 17, 2011 – The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) expresses concern over the excessive force used by the army and police forces against those who participated in a peaceful protest in front of the Israeli embassy in Giza on May 15, 2011. Three hundred and fifty-three protesters were injured and 160 were arrested and referred to the military prosecution. EOHR calls for the release of the arrested protesters and for their cases to be referred to the general prosecution office.
On May 15, the peaceful demonstration began in Tahrir Square and moved towards the Israeli Embassy headquarters in Giza, responding to the call of a number of activists on the Internet to commemorate the Palestinian Intifada. The military and police forces put an end to the protest.
In this regard, Mr. Hafez Abu Seada, the head of EOHR, called for the immediate release of the protesters and the dropping of the charges against them, emphasizing people’s right to assembly and expression, in accordance with international standards of human rights.
Click here for further information and a list of those who were injured
