Egypt urged to allow mass peaceful protests

Amnesty International is urging the Egyptian authorities not to crack down on planned nationwide demonstrations today (25 January), amid reports of police threats to opposition members.   

Demonstrations against unemployment, police abuses and corruption are planned today but opposition activists, including members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood organisation and the National Association for Change, have reportedly been summoned and threatened with arrest and detention if they go ahead with plans to protest.

Authorities have issued warnings that the police will deal “firmly and decisively” with those taking part in unauthorised protests.

Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said:

“Egypt needs to allow peaceful protests and stop arresting and intimidating peaceful opposition activists.

“The country’s security forces have a worrying record when dealing with demonstrators, and we urge them to refrain from excessive and disproportionate force.”