(Photo by Halim ElShaarani)
By: Rawan Ezzat
In a joint statement released on Saturday, 21 human rights institutions pledged to monitor acts of violence on 30 June protests, launching a campaign “to support and protect peaceful demonstrations.’”
“The campaign aims to monitor the peaceful demonstrations in all governorates, and document any irregularities or acts of violence that may occur on 30 June,” read the statement.
Mohamed Zarea, a campaign coordinator from Arab Penal Reform Organization, said “21 non-governmental organizations created this campaign after witnessing clashes and violence acts the last couple of days.”
“Every Egyptian has the right to express their views and we will make sure of this,” added Zarea.
The joint statement added that the groups provided field hospitals in Tahrir Square, as well as the presidential palace, while another is being built in Dakahlia, Mansoura. “The hospitals are sponsored by doctors and businessmen who support the 30 June protests,” said Zarea.
Sabry Masoud, a campaign coordinator from The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, stated that “the campaign will also provide support and assistance to victims of any legal violations that may occur during the demonstrations,” adding that lawyers will be available all around Egypt to assist if needed.
Masoud noted that if any violence or irregularities were reported, “we will immediately send out statements to journalists and TV reporters to announce them.”
The joint statement concluded by stressing that Egyptians have the right to demonstrate peacefully, and the campaign rejects the use of violence, or threat by any political force.
“Our campaign is not only to watch out for violence on 30 June, but also for the upcoming days,” said Zarea.
