International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
Press release
Egypt : Bloody Wednesday on Tahrir Square
Egyptian authorities demonstrate responsibility for unrest and chaos in ongoing uprising
http://www.fidh.org/Bloody-Wednesday-on-Tahrir-Square
Paris, Cairo, February 2nd 2011 – The peaceful protests taking place in downtown Cairo have suddenly turned into a bloodshed on Wednesday February 2, 2011, as Pro-Mubarak counter-demonstrations, allegedly organized by the regime, started to throw Molotov cocktails on the people gathered on Tahrir Square, asking for President Mubarak to step down.
The protesters on Tahrir square are being trapped on the square as attackers are coming from all sides. A large number of people are injured and are being carried away, without the possibility of reaching nearby hospitals.
The absence of police or army protection against the violent thugs, and the obstruction of access to health care are further evidence of the Egyptian authorities direct responsibility in bringing about chaos in response to the pacific demonstration, which The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) had witnessed, that took place on the evening of Saturday 29th. (see http://www.fidh.org/EGYPT-authorities-bare-responsibility-for-unrest)
The latest bloodshed adds to the heavy death toll of more than 300 individuals, reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights yesterday.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) urges the Egyptian authorities to prevent groups of thugs from attacking peaceful protesters and to ensure protection of peaceful demonstrators as well as their access to health care following the attacks. FIDH further calls upon the international community to intervene immediately upon the Egyptian authorities to guarantee such protection.
« Responsibilities shall be determined in these violent attacks, including the authorities’ responsibility in failing to prevent the violence, as it occurred under their own eyes, if not their direct involvement in their instigation. They should be prosecuted for this » said Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.
Press contact : Karine Appy + 33 6 48 05 91 57
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Karine Appy
Chargée des relations presse
Press Officer
FIDH
17 passage de la main d’or
75011 Paris
France
Tél : 00 33 1 43 55 14 12 / 00 33 6 48 05 91 57
Fax : 00 33 1 43 55 18 80
http://www.fidh.org
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