Follow-up: Egypt

The uprisings in Egypt that happened this year may be over, and Hosni Mubarak was successfully ousted from power, but the protests have left behind many problems that still need solving.  Amnesty International is demanding that victims of violence during the protests are brought to justice.

In early 2011, Egypt began to protest Hosni Mubarak's ruling and demanded democracy.  The authorities and military responded quite violently.  The human rights violations were appalling.  There were over 6000 injured Egyptians, and there were over 840 deaths that occurred over the time of protests.

Violence in Tahrir Square

The Armed Forces Council of Egypt promised a committee that was going to change the Constitution, which the people of Egypt would be allowed to vote on.  This is to create somewhat formed government during the period of time it takes to find a new leader that the country is happy with.  

"This current composition is basically a technocratic government to run the day-to-day affairs, to take care of the security void that has happened, and to also address the issues related to the economy,"  Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's ambassador for the United States.  

Map of Tahrir Square, Egypt 

The country has many issues to solve, including security and economic problems, but Amnesty International believes that the issued that arose from human rights abuses must be resolved immediately. 

The organization has released an extensive report that includes details of what happened during the eighteen days of anti-governmental protests,  and what needs to be done by Egypt's authorities to compensate victims and bring those who violated human rights to justice.  There is a lot being done already: people guilty of violent crimes are being arrested but according to Amnesty International, there are still many victims that are being ignored.  We need to make sure that everyone affected is given truth, pardon and appropriate compensation.  

A monument in Tarhir Square to honour martyrs of the protests 


Financial compensation has already been discussed: the past Prime Minister of Egypt, Ahmed Shafik said that those related to victims that died during the protests would be given 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($250) or a total of 50,000 pounds ($8,400 US).  There is still a lot that has to be said and done for victims of injury, imprisonment, or torture.  


"Families of those who were killed, as well as all those who were seriously injured or subjected to arbitrary detention or torture, including at the hands of the military, should expect that the authorities will prioritize their needs," said Amnesty International. 


Prioritization includes: 

• providing affected families and the people of Egypt the truth about what happened
• provide them with reparation
• bring criminals to justice 

I believe it is extremely important for Amnesty International to release their report to pressure the authorities of Egypt.  They must take responsibility for the atrocities they caused in their country.  They must formerly apologize to their people, and compensate everyone affected in different ways in order to gain trust from the citizens, something the government of Egypt has not seen for 30 years.  Amnesty International's pressure will push Egypt to do the right thing, and this will set an example for other countries experiencing conflict and protests in the Middle East and Northern Africa.  It is also up to our own powerful and fair governments to put international pressure on countries to change their ways.  

Protester in Egypt

Top: Front cover of Amnesty's report: Egypt Rises