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Egypt’s President Sisi Condemns Tahrir Square Sexual Assault

June 10, 2014
In this Sunday, June 8, 2014 photo, supporters of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi celebrate his inauguration in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt. (AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell)

Egypt’s newly elected President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has commanded the Ministry of Interior to “vigorously enforce the law and take all necessary measures to combat sexual harassment,” said the President’s spokesperson.

The President’s spokesperson Ambassador Ehab Badawy added that Sisi considers sexual assault and harassment “unacceptable” and “alien to the best principles of Egyptian culture.”

Meanwhile, the President has also ordered that police officer Captain Mostafa Thabet be honored for “rescuing the victim of the sexual harassment incident which took place in Tahrir Square.” The President added that the police officer’s actions should set an example for others to follow.

Finally, President Sisi called on all citizens of Egypt to “undertake their part to reinstate the true spirit of ethical and moral values in Egyptian society, adding that every family bears a responsibility to disseminate and instill within its children core moral principles and correct behaviour. This should come in parallel with the State’s efforts to robustly enforce the law.”

Horrific, brutal sexual assault plagues celebrations

President Sisi’s statements came after at least four women were subject to brutal sexual assault and harassment in Tahrir Square during celebrations for the inauguration of Egypt’s new President.

Human rights activist Habeeba Khattab revealed on Twitter that one of the victims was a 24-year-old who suffered severe bleeding, womb tear, wounds in the chest and abdomen and the loss of her virginity. The woman also suffered severe bruising and her psychological state is “deteriorating” as she “goes through seizures” and faints.

Egypt’s Ministry of Interior has announced that seven have been arrested and are being investigated on suspicion of involvement in the attacks.

The arrests came after outrage on social media following the release of a graphic video on YouTube showing a woman stripped naked, beaten and assaulted in the Square that was once the epicentre of the January 25 revolution.

Comments (6)

  1. Susan says:

    I commend Mr. Sisi for his statement!

    I wish both men and women would quit blaming the victim. We are human beings, given minds and consciences by the Creator. We are not animals that are at the mercy of our primal urges. Even if a woman dresses like a whore, it is her honor she besmirches, and she is not responsible for another’s behavior. A man who assaults a woman for whatever reason denigrates his own honor by that dishonorable act. He is responsible for his own honor and his behavior, and I do believe the Creator demands that he behave honorably and in accordance with the conscience we were given.

    The excuses must stop and responsibility must begin. Children make excuses. Adults take responsibility. Be honorable in your actions!

  2. Nahla Graph says:

    Proud of the speed in action. Proud that Captain Thabet is being acknowledged for his heroic actions. Once proper investigations have been determined, I pray for harsh punishment to deter others from even contemplating the thought of touching a female. I also pray that the victim is offered the proper psychological treatment in an effort to lead a somewhat normal life after the abhorrent behavior by these criminals.