Statement by the Anti-Coup Pro-Democracy Alliance Regarding Today’s Events at the Media Production City

Cairo, August 2, 2013)- The Alliance announced a peaceful demonstration in front of the Media Production City, to be held August 2nd, 2013, at 5 PM.

The demonstration was an expression of the Egyptian people’s protest of:

•   the poor media coverage of marches in all Egyptian provinces, Rabe’a and Nahda,

•   corrupt and misleading media practices in defending the bloody coup opposing legitimacy,

•   total neglect of the massacres committed by the coup at the Republican Guard, Nasr City and elsewhere, in which Egyptian youth had sacrificed their lives in defence of legitimacy, and

•   the type of coverage that twists facts, and turns the victim into a suicidal criminal.

Unsurprisingly, the peaceful protests, upon reaching the MPC, were met with tear gas, of an illegal composition.  This was before the breaking of the fast, with no provocation towards the police.  Then the situation turned into a real war, with the use of gas, shotguns and live ammunition in concentrated attacks.

The number of casualties exceeded 150, not including the thousands suffering from the effects of the gas.  Dozens were arrested, badly treated and taken into the MPC.  While leaving the MPC, returning to Nahda, dozens more – along the Wahat Road, October 6th – were taken by police; they had their clothes torn so they could be displayed as thugs.  The police also vandalized and burned dozens of cars belonging to protestors.

These are practical applications by the Ministry of Interior of the minster’s orders, who stated he would not clear any peaceful gatherings.  And no one mourns democracy or human rights.