02 February 2011

Egypt: Alkarama calls on High Commissioner to urgently demand that pro-government groups halt violence against peaceful demonstrators

In a call for the protection of the Egyptian population, Alkarama has adressed this afternoon an urgent appeal to Ms Navanethem Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to demand that pro-government groups halt violence against peaceful demonstrators. Alkarama regrets that the Egyptian Government has not only failed to protect its citizens but is clearly at the origin of the new escalation in violence.

Our correspondents inform us that, since this afternoon, groups of individuals from the National Democratic Party (the party of the ruling regime) and armed members of Egypt's police and security forces in civilian clothing have been attacking the peaceful citizens in the demonstrations who have been calling for an end to the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. We are informed that this is occurring throughout the country, including in Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities.

The peaceful demonstrators had been occupying several public areas in Egypt's big cities. These have now been attacked by armed groups of President Mubarak's supporters and members of the security forces in civilian clothing with metal bars, knives, rocks and even guns. These attacks have caused hundreds of injuries and a number of deaths. They have forced demonstrators off the streets and into their houses. According to our sources, the population in many locations lives a in real climate of terror.

Alkarama urges President Mubarak to hear the demands of his people and of the international community and spare his country further bloodshed.