(AFP Photo)
The public prosecution released a statement on Thursday saying that while it supports the right to peaceful protests, it warned against violations and criminal acts.
The statement, published by state-run Ahram, warned that any assault on a member of the armed forces or police who are tasked with securing public and private property would be met with decisive procedures.
The prosecution asserted the right of judicial officers, whether they are from the police or the armed forces, to detain lawbreakers to protect the country.
It detailed that acts of “thuggery,” like blocking roads, preventing public institutions from operating, terrorising citizens, and inciting, are all crimes punishable by law. The prosecution vowed to take legal action against anyone who commits these crimes, adding that it will not it will not be lenient.
The prosecution also asserted the right of citizens to hand over anyone found committing crimes to judicial officers. In March, the prosecution highlighted a law which allows citizens to arrest those who vandalise public and private property, block roads, and prevent public officials from carrying out their duties, among other crimes and hand them over to the police or military. At the time, the prosecution said that these are crimes that do not require a judicial warrant for officers to make arrests.
Prosecutor General Tala’at Abdullah has ordered a nationwide alert, commanding the formation of an operations room to coordinate with the ministries of defence and interior. The operation room will receive complaints from the ministries and citizens, investigate the complaints, and inform the public about results of investigations.
