At 15 o'clock Egyptian time, Military Police accompanied by unidentified men in civilian clothes entered the offices of the Hisham Mubarak Law Center in Souk Al Tawfiqia street, Cairo, and arrested more than 20 members of Egyptian and international NGOs. These people were members of the Committee for the Defense of the Egypt Protesters. As they were arrested they were beaten by the men taking them away, and their phones and other office equipment was confiscated.

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.

Alkarama is concerned by the disproportionate use of force by the security forces against the demonstrators in Egypt, which has lead to numerous deaths among the demonstrators. Having completely cut internet access and practicing severe censorship on all forms of media, the Egyptian authorities are trying hard to avoid disclosure any information about ongoing violations. Demonstrations erupted three days ago throughout Egypt calling for democratic political change and the departure of President Hosni Mubarak. Following violent repression by the security forces, a number of deaths among demonstrators are reported. Alkarama submitted to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions the cases of two individuals killed on 25th January 2011: Mustapha Ragab (21 years old), killed by a bullet through the heart; Sulaiman Saber (35 years old) killed by two bullets to his stomach and leg; and the case of Ghareeb Abdulali who was also shot by security forces on the 26 January 2011.

The Zagazig magistrate's court has postponed the trial of seven Al-Azhar University students to 28 October 2010, in response to the defense's request to see the case file.