By Darrin Simmons
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
CAIRO, Egypt – In the wake of former Egypt President Mohamed Morsi being overthrown, turmoil has spread throughout Egypt and the Middle East. Early Monday morning, outside of the barracks holding President Morsi, a deadly shooting ensued between the army and protesters.
Reports of up to fifty one people killed and more than three hundred injured during what has been termed a “massacre,” have flooded newsstands and human rights organizations. Many have called upon the rest of the world to intervene and prevent Egypt from becoming the next Syria.
Great Britain has been insisting for an investigation into the shooting, in support of a democratic constitution in Egypt to provide free and fair elections. The European Union has heavily regulated its funds pledged to carry out aid in Egypt while also condemning the killings.
The United States has issued a statement asking the Egyptian army to exercise “maximum restraint” and extreme caution when condemning the uprisings along with condolences for those who were killed and injured.
“We remain deeply concerned about the increasing violence across Egypt. We strongly condemn any violence or any incitement to violence,” stated Jen Psaki, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman.
Protesters outside of the barracks were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, who were staging a “peaceful” protest in support of President Morsi. However, the army claimed that a “terrorist group” attempted to storm the barracks, attacking first with “heavy gunfire.”
“The Republican Guard fired tear gas, but the thugs came for the side. We were the target,” stated Mahmud al Shili, a protestor member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
“Every police force in the world understands how to disperse a sit-in. This is just a criminal activity targeting protesters,” claimed a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman, Gehad Haddad.
Daily protests by the Muslim Brotherhood have been held since the ousting of President Morsi last Wednesday. The Brotherhood has denounced his overthrow as a military coup and has been expressing their resistance against the “usurper authorities.”
Footage has been released contradicting the army’s claim that the gates of the barracks were attacked by protestors. However, the army has also released footage of the protestors attacking and shooting at the troops.
Army Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Ali reported that they suffered deaths and injuries as well. Two policemen and an army officer were killed along with another forty two troop members injured in the shooting.
“Deep sorrow” over the loss of lives and a call for restraint has been voiced by Egypt’s office of the interim president Adly Mansour.
For more information, please see the following:
Aljazeera – Massacre in Cairo deepens Egypt crisis – 08 July 2013
BBC News – Egypt unrest: Tensions soar amid Cairo killings – 08 July 2013
Guardian – Dozens killed in Cairo after gunmen open fire on pro-Morsi protesters – 08 July 2013
Sky News – Egypt: Brotherhood calls for further protests – 08 July 2013
