New autopsy, probe ordered into death of Egyptian activist
After days of protests and international condemnation, Egypt has ordered a new autopsy in the case of activist Khaled Mohammed Said, who was allegedly beaten to death by police on Saturday in the northern city of Alexandria.
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Said’s death has outraged Egyptians, who have lived under a state of emergency that has given security forces widespread powers for more than 30 years.
Egypt’s Interior Ministry had claimed that Said died as a result of asphyxiation after swallowing drugs, but pictures of his fractured skull and mangled jaw circulating on the internet tell a different story.
Authorities are looking at allegations that the 28-year-old was beaten to death by police officers after the prosecutor-general has ordered a full investigation and a new autopsy, transferring the case to senior investigators.
But a new investigation may not quell activists’ calls for the government to take a stronger stance against widespread police brutality and an Emergency Law blamed for creating a culture of impunity.
For several days protesters have demonstrated against police brutality and called for the dismissal of Interior Minister Habib al-Adly.
The case has been the subject of much debate in newspapers and on television since it was first reported last week.
Over 170,000 Egyptians have joined a Facebook group called “My name is Khaled Said” to campaign for the truth.
Local human rights groups have been joined by Amnesty International in calling for a full investigation.
A spokesman for the US State Department has urged Egypt “to hold accountable whoever is responsible”.
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