And Hassan Ghonema
Suez is relatively calm after the army was deployed to secure the city after the death of nine protesters and one Central Security Forces’ conscript.
Major General Osama Askar, field commander of the third army in Suez said that all prisoners were transferred from police stations to Ataka police station.
They also removed all the weapons from police stations after protesters stormed Suez, Faisal and Ganayen police stations late on Saturday night; Askar confirmed that protesters were not able to seize weapons.
At least 18 prisoners fled police stations upon the raid, while masked gunmen roamed the streets firing random shots.
A passer by suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital.
Director of Security Adel Refaat revealed what happened during Friday clashes that took place in front of the Suez Governorate Building.
He said that security only used tear gas and refused to shoot at the protesters as they tried to storm the building, reported Hassan Ghoneima, DNE correspondent in Suez.
Approximately 300 security personnel secured the building and 85 of them were injured during the first hours of the clashes. Refaat asked the army for reinforcements and they provided 500 soldiers and 25 armoured vehicles to secure the Governorate Building and the Security Directorate.
He added that forensic reports proved the dead were shot from behind and at close range, “this proves security didn’t fire at protesters.”
Local damage is estimated to be in the region of EGP 10m, and banks closed down on Sunday amid fears of looting.
The Army called on residents of Suez to exercise self-control and protect public facilities.
