AP: Egypt's Assaults

Lawyers Vow to Act on 'Gropers'

By PAKINAM AMER,
Associated Press Writer

CAIRO, Egypt_ Activists are pressing a state prosecutor to file charges against men whom they claim attacked female protesters on the day of a key vote, and say they will file complaints internationally if Egyptian authorities file none.
The women, some of whom were protesting against the referendum vote on May 25, have alleged they were attacked, sexually groped and molested by men who worked for the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), while security and riot police looked on.
The government has condemned the attacks on the women, some of which were captured on videotape and broadcast internationally. But the government and the ruling party's top leadership have said they played no role in the attacks.
Lawyers representing the women, a press syndicate group and political activists, including the leader of the opposition group Kifaya, have filed complaints to the prosecutor, alleging the ruling National Democratic Party hired the attackers.
Deciding on the course of action
The prosecutor's office started an investigation, and will decide if the accusations should go to a criminal court or whether any individuals should face legal charges.
Essam al-Islambouli, one of the lawyers, said he expects the prosecutor to say the attackers' identities could not be determined.
"If the general prosecutor disappoints us, we will take our case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) , because the crimes committed are crimes against humanity," said al-Islambouli, who already held talks with the ICC's regional coordinator.
Another attorney representing the women, Montassir el-Zayat, said he also would consider contacting the ICC or a United Nations (UN) human rights committee if the prosecutor's report is inconclusive.
Another attorney, Sayyed Abu Zeid, appointed by the press syndicate, said three videotapes and 12 photographs of the assaults clearly show that security officials and NDP members were to blame. He said witnesses testified to the same.
The evidence was presented last Thursday to the prosecutor's office.
Accused to file libel suits
Several accused security and NDP officials have in turn said they will file libel suits against the women accusers.
In an interview with the state-controlled Al-Ahram newspaper, interior minister Habib el-Adly denied the allegations that the government was involved in last month's violations.
He explained the violence occurred as a result of fights between two groups of protesters, adding some NDP members filed complaints because they were beaten by rival protesters.
Meanwhile, the Arab Centre for Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession said in a report four female victims have been threatened and pressured by state security to withdraw their charges.
The victims, who personally filed complaints to the centre, said they were being monitored and "stalked".
The interior ministry denied the charges.