HRW: Mubarak officers commit violence

Peter Bouckaert, the emergency director for Human Rights Watch

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/163182.html

Human Rights Watch has accused elements loyal to Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak of committing acts of violence and looting in an attempt to undermine the Egyptian revolution.

The group has confirmed several cases where undercover police loyal to Mubarak instigated raids and hostility during demonstrations in the North African country.

According to Peter Bouckaert, emergency director for Human Rights Watch, there are reports of injured looters with police ID cards getting treatment in hospitals.

In addition, Bouckaert confirms cases of looters and vandals in the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Alexandria with police identification cards.

On Sunday, looters broke into Cairo's famous Egyptian Museum. They ripped off the heads of two mummies and damaged small artifacts before being caught.

Bouckaert also expressed doubts over reports of the escape of thousands of prisoners during the weekend.

Over the past several days, Egypt's state television has been running reports on violent criminals among the demonstrators.

Some view the move as an attempt by Mubarak to discredit the current democratic movement in the crisis-hit country.

The HRW report comes as on Wednesday morning protesters in Tahrir Square began preparations for the 9th day of demonstrations against Mubarak's regime.

The army with tanks has been still deployed throughout different positions in and around the square.

Mubarak said on February 1 that he would surrender power in September, angering protesters who want an immediate end to his 30-year rule.

The 82-year-old leader said he would not seek re-election when his presidential term ends in September.