NEW YORK- The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed great concern over the unfolding events in Egypt.
Mr Rupert Colville, OHCHR Spokesperson, warned on Wednesday in New York, that recent developments in the country spawned dangerous fractures across the spectrum of society, potentially impacting freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and
contributing to increase in human rights violations.
He said Egypt witnessed an eruption of violence over the weekend, pitting demonstrators against security officers.
“This is as a result of the conclusion of former President Hosni Mubarak’s trial, which resulted in all charges being dropped against the deposed leader,’’ he said.
Colville said more than five people, including two security officers, were reportedly killed in the clashes.
“This has drawn deep concern from UN human rights office which it describes as `seriously damaging’ lack of accountability for human rights violations committed by security forces in the context of demonstrations.’’
The spokesperson said that the increasing polarisation in Egyptian society was alarming and urged all sides to engage in national dialogue to move the country forward.
“We are also closely following attempts to bring to justice those responsible for serious human rights violations in Egypt, including the killings of hundreds of people in February 2011 as well as August 2013 crackdown when Egyptian security services used force to clear sit-ins and demonstrations,’’ he added.
The OHCHR spokesperson noted that last week, 78 teenagers were sentenced by a court to between two and five years on charges of participating in unauthorised protests.
Colville pointed to reports of civilians being tried before military courts following a decree issued in October by President al-Sisi which allows the military to protect “critical and sensitive facilities.’’
He said military tribunals generally fall short of key international due process standards, and urged Egyptian authorities to halt the practice.
Egypt has witnessed considerable violence since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak three years ago following mass protests.
In July, renewed protests, in which dozens of people were killed and wounded, led to the military deposing President Mohamed Morsi and the setting up of an interim government.
A new constitution was adopted in a referendum last month. (PANA/NAN)
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