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Initial reports by Alkarama field researchers confirm at least 107 protesters killed by gunfire

Early reports confirm that hundreds of anti-coup protesters have been killed this morning as military and police assaulted Rabaa and Nahda squares in Cairo with excessive force. Sky News rightly described the crackdown as a "major military assault largely on unarmed civilians". Alkarama urges the interim Egyptian government to put an end to these extra-judicial killings of largely unarmed protesters.

Alkarama submits 261 documented protester deaths to UN; recalls criminal liability of decision-makers, including heads of security services and civilian authorities, is engaged in cases of continued excessive use of force.

Alkarama informed the United Nations special procedures of the documented deaths of 152 protesters between 26 and 27 July 2013 this week. Added to the previous 109 extrajudicial executions documented by Alkarama, at least 260 have died at the hands of security forces since the military deposed Mohamed Morsi as president on 3 July.

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Egypt must respond to UN request for fact-finding mission

In the early hours of 27 July 2013, at least 100 protestors were killed by the Egyptian security services in the most serious violence since the coup that toppled Mohamed Morsi three weeks ago.

On 10 July, Alkarama presented the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention with the case of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi 'Isa al-'Ayat, arrested and arbitrarily detained since his overthrow by the Army on 3 July 2013.

Also arrested with him were his staff, including Dr. Ahmad 'Abd-al-'Ati, Dr. 'Isam al-Hadad, Mr. Khalid al-Qazaz, Mr. 'Abd-al-Majid Mishali, Mr. As'ad al-Shaykhah, and Dr. Ayman 'Ali. All of them were detained, apparently under "house arrest", but in a location that remains unknown.

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At least one hundred and nine protestors have been shot dead by the Egyptian military and police during demonstrations between 3 and 8 July 2013.
Following the military coup that ousted President Morsi on 2 July 2013, Alkarama is deeply concerned by early reports of deaths of protestors, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and a crackdown on freedom of expression by Egyptian military and police forces.
On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Alkarama wishes to raise awareness about the increase of deaths resulting from torture in places of detention in Egypt, and the absence of any subsequent impartial and effective investigations.
In less than 40 days, seven individuals reportedly died in prisons and
Essam Atta died under torture while detained in Tora Prison following an unfair trial before a military court. On 8 June 2013, General Prosecutor decided to close the investigation opened in Essam Atta's case, following a decision by the Cairo Court of Appeal to suspend the case.
Alkarama is deeply concerned by the continuing prevalence of torture in Egyptian police stations and the increase of deaths as a result of torture. This trend demonstrates the lack of political will to honor the pledges made by the Egyptian authorities following the revolution to put an end to this practice and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Sameh Ahmad Faraj – Dead as a result of torture in police station

Witnesses play a vital role in the judicial process, it is imperative to ensure an environment in which they are protected and can express themselves without fear for their safety.

This topic is especially sensitive at a time when violations are increasing and symbolic trials of members of the former regime are being held. Many Egyptians continue to seek justice in vain; it remains absent.