(AFP Photo)
The Front to Defend Egypt’s Protesters (FDEP) on Sunday called for an urgent investigation into all incidents of violence which took place since and before 30 June, specifically the clashes at Bein El-Sarayat, Manial, Sidi Gaber and the Republican Guards headquarters.
In an official statement, the FDEP also called for an investigation into incidents of sectarian violence such as those which took place in Minya and Luxor.
The Front stressed the importance of investigating security authorities, both the police and the armed forces, in regards to the excessive use of violence in facing both peaceful and non-peaceful protests. The Front called on security forces to take into consideration international standards when facing any protests.
The Front also urged the security institutions to protect peaceful protesters against any aggression and to avoid the escalation of violence which leads to clashes. It also called for an end to incendiary and sectarian speech which leads to clashes, as well as putting an end to incendiary speech against Palestinian, Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
The Front stressed its members will continue defending peaceful protesters provided they avoid using violence or aggression against civilians and avoid the use of weapons in their demonstrations. It also stated that it is unable to provide leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood with legal aid since the government is pursuing them for crimes they had committed when in power. The Front nevertheless stated that it would assist the aforementioned should they be subjected to torture, violations or exceptional trials.
Ali Seliman, lawyer and Front member, said the FDEP would refrain from providing those detained for the Republican Guards clashes with legal assistance as they would not aid protesters who resorted to using arms against citizens.
Clashes at the Republican Guards headquarters broke out on Monday dawn between protesters supporting former president Mohamed Morsi and security personnel, leaving 53 civilians and four security personnel killed.
