Breaking Up of the Nile University’s Sit-in by Force Threatens universities and puts more restrictions on the freedom of opinion and expression

(Cairo, 18th of September, 2012) The Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights ECWR expresses its deep worry regarding scattering the peaceful sit in of the Nile University’s students by force through dragging the male
and female students. Additionally, students were beaten them with a stick over their heads which led to several blackouts. Furthermore, 6 students including Moustafa Shama the student union head were arrested.
This is a huge threat on the freedom of opinion and expression and peaceful demonstrations. This reminds is of Mubarak’s regime which does not fit within the revolution’s era and the President who always relates
himself to the Egyptian revolution.
In addition, it will become the flame that will spread in other Egyptian Universities such as Cairo University, Ein Shams University, Helwan and Alexandria Universities to start an open sit in to condemn the excessive
violence that took place in Nile University to scatter the students’ sit in via unreasoned force.
ECWR condemns using security forces in facing peaceful groups and asks for immediate release of the arrested students and opening new dialogue channels concerning the issue.
ECWR is also asking for an investigation of what happened of attacking the students. Furthermore, ECWR assures that is this pattern continues, it will directly threaten the educational process and is considered as a violation of the right of peaceful gatherings and freedom of expression.
ECWR is afraid that these violations shall be the base to impose legal restrictions via legal amendments of the demonstration laws which will consequently restrict the freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful
gathering.