Thousands of Egyptians protest against police brutality

Thousands of Egyptians protest against police brutality

2011-07-02 05:15:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of Egyptians on Friday took the streets of three cities in the so-called "Friday of Retribution" deploring the recent police brutality, the Daily News Egypt reported.

The rallies took place in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez and protesters demanded bringing charges against the police officers involved in this week's violent events in and around the Tahrir Square in Cairo.

Egypt's Ministry of Health informed that 1,114 people were injured in the violent clashes; 990 of them were given treatment at the square while 124 were transported to nearby hospital for further medical care.

On Friday, protests began after morning prayers in Tahrir Square. Demonstrators also called for swift trials of those responsible for the use of excessive force including police officers and officials.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday night when police officers and protesters clashed in ‎front ‎of the Ministry of Interior in downtown Cairo. The demonstrators were relatives of those killed by security forces during the January Revolution.

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 January uprising.

Ousted President Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt in a 30-year-long regime which began in 1981. He stepped down earlier this year after weeks of anti-government protests by crowds calling for greater democracy and respect of human rights.

Protesters have also been demanding speedier proceedings against Mubarak and his aides. The former leader will stand trial for corruption and murder charges on August 3, along his sons, Alaa and Gamal, and businessman Hussein Salem.

Mubarak is accused of intentional murder of demonstrators, abuse use of authority for personal gain and embezzlement of the state budget. It is alleged that he conspired with former interior minister Habib El-Adly and other senior police officials to deliberately kill protesters in Tahrir Square during the January 25 Revolution.

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