Thousands demand freedom for renowned Egyptian blogger

[News_Editor]

Thousands demand freedom for renowned Egyptian blogger

2011-11-02 07:18:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of Egyptians on Tuesday gathered in downtown Cairo to demand the release of one of Egypt's most well-known bloggers and political activists, the Al-Ahram state-owned newspaper reported.

Protesters gathered in Talaat Harb Square to express support for Alaa Abd El-Fatah and his decision to refuse to be questioned by the military prosecution on the grounds that it had no business interrogating civilians. Abd El-Fattah, who was brought before the military prosecution on Monday, argued that it is absurd for a criminal suspect to be allowed to question another presumed suspect since the army stands accused of the violent clashes with Coptic protesters on October 9.

Thousands of activists have been demanding justice for Coptic Christian demonstrators killed during clashes with army personnel on October 9. Egypt's military rulers denied allegations that its soldiers fired on protesters during the clashes which left at least 26 people dead and more than 300 others injured.

Tuesday's protesters, mostly young activists, chanted slogans while marching toward the Appeals Prison in the Cairo district of Bab El-Khalq, where Abd el-Fatah is detained. They also wore yellow badges on their shirts reading "I am against the military trial of civilians" and demanded that the military hand over power to a civilian government.

The protesters also demanded justice for 24-year-old Essam Atta, the latest victim of police brutality in Egypt who died after being tortured by prison guards last week. They condemned police brutality in Egypt and the use of torture, which was rampant during the Mubarak regime and has continued under the military council's rule.

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 earlier this year. It led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

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