Policeman sentenced to death for killing Egyptian protesters

[News_Editor]

Policeman sentenced to death for killing Egyptian protesters

2011-05-23 00:44:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO (BNO NEWS) -- An Egyptian criminal court on Sunday sentenced a policeman to death for killing protesters during the Egyptian revolution earlier this year, Ahram online reported.

Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel Monem was sentenced in absentia for opening fire on anti-government protesters, killing 18 and injuring three. The policeman, who also goes by the name of Mohamed El-Seni, killed the peaceful protesters during the "Friday of Anger" on 28 January.

Families of the victims clashed with armed forces, after they tried to break into the court during the session. Some family members were arrested.

The Northern Cairo's criminal court also ordered the arrest of El-Seni, whose whereabouts are still unknown. El-Seni's defence lawyer asked the court to postpone the case, but the court rejected the request.

This is the first death penalty in trials against policemen for killing protesters during the uprising that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak.

According to Amnesty International, at least 840 people were killed and over 6,000 people were injured in the violent repression that took place during the uprising.

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