Sunday, June 3, 2012

Egypt: Mubarak Conviction a Message for Next President


But Acquittal of Police Chiefs A Green Light to Future Abuse

June 2, 2012

"(London) – The landmark conviction of the former EgyptianPresident Hosni Mubarak on June 2, 2012, on charges of complicity in the murder of peaceful protesters during pro-democracy protests sends a powerful message to Egypt’s future leaders that they are not above the law, Human Rights Watch said today. However, the acquittal of four assistant ministers of interior on the grounds of insufficient evidence highlights the failure of the prosecution to fully investigate responsibility for the shooting of protesters in January 2011, giving a green light to future police abuse, Human Rights Watch said......

“These convictions set an important precedent since just over a year ago seeing Hosni Mubarak as a defendant in a criminal court would have been unthinkable,” said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “ But the acquittal of senior ministry of interior officials for the deaths and injuries of peaceful protesters leaves police impunity intact andthe victims still waiting for justice.”....."

No comments: