(AFP Photo)
By Deena Wahba
The police will protect government facilities and remain neutral during the opposition protests set for 30 June said a statement by The Non-Commissioned Officers Club in the Ministry of Interior on Sunday.
The club’s spokesperson said that “the police’s role is to provide security services to all Egyptians regardless of their political, intellectual or religious affiliations,” stressing the police’s commitment to protect the country and the citizens.
The club also called on citizens to help the police perform their job, promising that officers will not retreat from their positions and will not leave people or institutions vulnerable to violence. The statement emphasised that “the police are a part of this nation and work on preserving its stability and security.”
The announcement concluded warning “the rioting elements” of 30 June protests from approaching any public facilities or police sites, as the police will deal firmly with any rioters. It also encouraged non-violence as a slogan for all events.
Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim said in an interview on Saturday said that the ministry is committed to securing the protests and is prepared to prevent any “infiltrators” in the demonstrations from harassing peaceful protesters.
Previously, the ministry outlined its security plan to protect all future political events and demonstrations on the condition that they are within the boundaries of “democracy and freedom of expression.”
The ministry said it intends to intensify security patrols in all streets, squares, and main roads on 30 June. It emphasised that security forces will take the necessary measures to secure strategic institutions and buildings, including Ministry of Interior buildings, airports, seaports, the American Embassy, and the Egyptian Radio and Television Union building.
Opposition groups and the Tamarod campaign, a petition campaign calling for early presidential elections, have called for mass protests on 30 June.
