Protesters and security clash at Alexandria court

Salma Hegab
2 Min Read
Interior Ministry security forces surround Al-Mansheyya Al-Bahareya Court building in Alexandria on 19 January. (Photo by Hassan Mahrous)
Interior Ministry security forces surround Al-Mansheyya Al-Bahareya Court building in Alexandria. (Photo by Hassan Mahrous)
Interior Ministry security forces surround Al-Mansheyya Al-Bahareya Court building in Alexandria. (Photo by Hassan Mahrous)

Clashes have erupted in front of Al-Mansheyya Al-Bahareya Court, between Ministry of Interior forces in Alexandria and families of protesters killed during the revolution.

The expected verdict in the trial of policemen accused of killing the protesters in Alexandria, during the first days of the 25 January Revolution, has not yet been announced.

According to eye-witness Yehia El-Imam, the clashes began after Central Security Forces tried to prevent the families of dead protesters, and other activists, from demonstrating in front of the court.  Both sides threw stones at each other.

El-Imam said: “Police used violence and tear gas was used at first to disperse protesters, the protesters threw stones at the police and one security truck was sabotaged.”

Another eyewitness said: “Rubber bullets are being used. By the time I arrived there were hundreds of protesters and security in an attack and retreat position. The Corniche of Al-Mansheyya is blocked.”

Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) Lawyer Hamdy Khalaf said three protesters were detained by police forces, but lawyers negotiated at the court to free the detainees. He denied that police officers used excessive tear gas bombs or rubber bullets.

Eyewitnesses said there were several injuries. State Agency Al-Ahram stated that two people have been injured so far.

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