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Thousands of Egyptian Police Refuse Orders, Protest the Muslim Brotherhood

Mar. 7, 2013 12:45pm Billy Hallowell

CAIRO (AP) — Thousands of low-ranking policemen on strike across Egypt on Thursday refused orders to work and protested what they claim is the politicization of the force in favor of the president’s Muslim Brotherhood party.

The strike, in its fourth day, is a rare show of defiance by policemen against their superiors. It threatens to unravel a security force already weakened by two years of unrest following the ouster of longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

For decades, Egypt’s police aggressively targeted the Brotherhood and other Islamist groups that were once outlawed. Policemen say they are now being forced to confront protesters angry with Mubarak’s successor, President Mohammed Morsi, and his Brotherhood supporters. They also are angry that they can be tried in military courts and complain that current laws do not protect them when they carry out their duties.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement Thursday that it stands at equal distance from all parties, and that the ministry is being objective in its duties.

Thousands of Egyptian Police Protest the Muslim Brotherhood

An Egyptian protester holds stones during clashes with riot police near a state security building in Port Said, Egypt, Thursday, March 7, 2013. Clashes between protesters and police continued into a fifth day on Thursday in the restive Egyptian city of Port Said. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The ministry, which oversees police in Egypt, relies on low-ranking policemen to protect government buildings, particularly in the face of angry protests in Suez Canal cities and in areas north of Cairo in the Nile Delta region. Hundreds of policemen have been wounded in the past six weeks of unrest in those areas, and several have been killed in the anti-government protests.

In Cairo, dozens of policemen blocked the entrance to one of the city’s main police stations and expressed anger at Morsi’s policies. Others held a sit-in outside Morsi’s house in his hometown of Zagazig, northeast of the capital.

South of the capital, in Assiut and Luxor, policemen protested what they say is new Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim’s attempts to use the force to protect the Brotherhood.

Security officials in the Interior Ministry said that the former interior minister refused orders to direct police against anti-Morsi protesters outside the presidential palace in Cairo in December. They say that the Brotherhood was also enraged that police did not protect the group’s offices that month from being torched by Egyptians angry with Morsi’s handling of the drafting of the constitution.

Egyptian protesters react from a tear gas canister fired by riot police, not pictured, during clashes near a state security building in Port Said, Egypt, Thursday, March 7, 2013. Clashes between protesters and police continued into a fifth day on Thursday in the restive Egyptian city of Port Said. Credit: AP

The strike comes just two days before a court is expected to hand down verdicts to defendants standing trial for a deadly soccer riot that killed 74 people in the canal city of Port Said. Nine security officials are among the 73 people on trial. Earlier, 21 people in the case were handed death sentences, which can be appealed, sparking a wave of violent protests in the city that led to 40 deaths in late January and accusations that police used excessive violence to clamp down on rioters.

Anger is also boiling in the Nile Delta province of Dakahliya, where protesters and policemen accuse the new security director there of ordering heavy-handed tactics to suppress anti-Brotherhood protests. Sami al-Meehy was appointed the province’s security chief in recent days, just as anger there was mounting against the Brotherhood and a civil disobedience campaign began. Police there are accused of intentionally running over and killing a protester last weekend.

A similar strike last month by thousands of low-ranking policemen led to work stoppages for five days. They were demanding better firepower, wages and working conditions. The ministry said it agreed to purchase 100,000 new 9mm pistols and improve health care facilities for policemen, ending February’s strike.

The police force, once a frightening and powerful underpinning of Mubarak’s rule, has been accused by rights activists of carrying out the same brutal tactics under Morsi.

An Egyptian protester throws stones at riot police during clashes near a state security building in Port Said, Egypt, Thursday, March 7, 2013. Clashes between protesters and police continued into a fifth day on Thursday in the restive Egyptian city of Port Said. Credit: AP

Egypt’s uprising, which began two years ago on a day meant to commemorate police, was largely rooted in widespread hatred of security forces under Mubarak. More than 100 policemen have been put on trial for the killings of protesters, and all but two were acquitted.

Allegations of torture at the hands of police persist, and more than 70 people have been killed in nationwide protests since late January. Rights groups allege that police are still operating with impunity.

The latest allegation took place late Wednesday in the Nile Delta city of Mahalla. Hundreds of residents took to the streets to protest the killing of Ibrahim el-Kady, his wife, their daughter and their daughter’s fiancé. According to Mahalla activist Samuel Adly, police were chasing a suspect when they fired at the wrong car, killing the four.

Security officials say they are investigating the incident.

Egyptian riot police clash with protesters near a state security building in Port Said, Egypt, Thursday, March 7, 2013. Clashes between protesters and police continued into a fifth day on Thursday in the restive Egyptian city of Port Said. Credit: AP

The family’s son told the satellite channel Al-Jazeera Mubashir Misr alleges that policemen were behind the killing. He said he saw men dressed in police uniform firing on his father’s car, which was parked outside the family’s house.

Lawlessness also has plagued parts of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where two British tourists were freed just hours after their kidnapping on Thursday.

A military intelligence official said the couple was released unharmed after police promised the Bedouin kidnappers that they would release a detained relative who had been arrested and accused of smuggling weapons from Libya to Egypt. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

Tourists have been targeted in the past by Bedouin in Sinai wanting to pressure police to free detained relatives. Tourists are typically not held long and released unharmed.

–

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Comments (67)

THX-1138
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:22pm
How dumb do you have to be to bring rocks to a gunfight?

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- loafer4952
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:53pm
  Pretty Dumb!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Truth and Justice
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 3:25pm
  Coming soon to an American city near you.
  
  Report this comment
- SamIamTwo
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 6:16pm
  Rubber bullets more than likely, (if they are smart) and rocks are everywhere over there…used for the traditional stoning to death…I assure you if you are hit in the head with a heavy rock, it will make you hurt.
  
  Report this comment
- SamIamTwo
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 6:22pm
  For over 4K years they have used stones to kill people…it is the traditional way…and rocks are all around you in that area…some nice projectile…when it snows don’t think they are throwing snow balls at you…they pack the rocks with snow and throw them at the tourist buses to break windows and frighten the tourists.
  
  Report this comment
- johnpaulkuchtajr
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 6:47pm
  They should write the Ayatollah Obama directly and petition him to intercede on their behalf.
  
  Obama gave the Egyptian military fighter jets; and, he gave Morsi $250 million, so Obama may have some more rabbits he can pull out of his hat!
  
  I Know!
  
  Obama will take ALL our stuff and give it to the Egyptian police!
  
  Just brilliant!
  
  “Remember Benghazi and ALL the Traitors!
- -B
  Posted on March 8, 2013 at 12:54pm
  They’re stoners.
  
  Report this comment
HI_Don
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:19pm
Now is the key moment – Either Morsi will back down (not in his nature) or he will use the millions Obama gave him and he will start a genacide just as most dictators do – and the blood should be on Obama’s hands. Face it, Morsi will likely build his version of the Nazi SS, purchased loyalty, and will try to manufacture enough fear to push a tide of the traditional military and police onto his side against the masses. If it moves in that direction you can count on two things. 1) the MSN will try to ignore it and minimalize it as “countering a few radicals” 2) it will become a blood bigger than Syria.

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- AvengerK
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 5:40pm
  HI_DON…Morsi doesn’t have the army in his pocket. Now he fired some “establishment” upper teir military and replaced them with what he believes are more compliant ones but the army is still the boss in Egypt and Morsi knows it. Here’s what I think he’s doing…he’s maneuvering so that Iran can be his proxy army should he need them in a fight..but Iran’s not ready to commit to something like that. Weapons, money yes…but not military aid. Hezbollah is no use to him and Hamas even less so. Syria is a basket case so it can’t intervene for him either. Lebanon won’t do it, neither will Jordan. Right now..all Morsi has is American money for his “cooperation” in keeping things civil with Israel. He can count the Saudis out too.
  
  Report this comment
antrancher
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:11pm
Won’t be long and all we will have is rocks to defend ourselves. Stand up and be counted!!!

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BlackCrow
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:55pm
The beauty of democracy! Two wolves and a lamb voting on lunch.

Why do I want to throttle every idiot who touts our “democracy”?

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- westtitus
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 5:42pm
  Maybe because we don’t live in a democracy but a Republic….big difference.
  
  Report this comment
thegreatcarnac
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:46pm
I wonder if our cops and military would do the same? I doubt it.

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- SaturdaysWarrior76
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:44pm
  I believe in our Military and believe they would stand with Americans for Freedom, and refuse to go against the constitution. The Military is our last hope. I pray God gives them strength to keep their oath when the choice is before them! :/
  
  Report this comment
- team1blazer
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 3:41pm
  I hope and pray they will, but after watching what they did in the aftermath of Katrina, I wouldn’t bet on it.
  
  Report this comment
momrules
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:38pm
Boy, the Morsi/Obama Egypt is in a real mess and now the locusts are eating their cupboards bare.

I wonder who will eventually bear the brunt of the Muslim Brotherhood anger because someone is going to have to be on the receiving end of that anger. Will it be the protesters or will it be Israel?

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4xeverything
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:36pm
This is why the states employ the police and the military may not operate on US soil. The FF knew what they were doing.

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JakBquick
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:35pm
Add your comments

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JakBquick
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:35pm
What the …………………

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JakBquick
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:34pm
We need more resistance and we need it now.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:33pm
Barry’s Arab spring is leaving a bad taste huh? Maybe some Egyptians will come to their senses and reject the BS ‘democracy’ our sham president is pushing. Although his mob rule has worked pretty well here in new Amerika because of the sheer numbers of his simpleton worshipers hopefully they’ll reject it in Egypt at least.

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- Gonzo
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:49pm
  Nothing a few billion in foreign aid won’t fix Slayer, LOL.
  
  Report this comment
- Phreqguru
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 4:20pm
  “Tourists have been targeted in the past by Bedouin in Sinai wanting to pressure police to free detained relatives. Tourists are typically not held long and released unharmed.”
  
  So this means that it’s still okay to visit Egypt and if you do get kidnapped, it is just a passing thing, you will be released. Nothing to see here folks, move right along, tickets for the pyramids form up in isle 3.
  
  Report this comment
jackact
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:32pm
Message to the freedom fighters in Egypt:
The Obama regime administratIon will ignore you just as they did the freedom fighters in Tehran four years ago.

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- CatB
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:51pm
  Not only ignore . but FUND the Muslims Brotherhood to the detriment of both freedom fighters in Egypt and American Taxpayers. John Kerry .. giving them 250 million right after the sequester .. where they CLAIM they must shut down W.H. tours for children … give me a break!
  
  http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-02/world/37388565_1_military-aid-conservative-islamist-group-muslim-brotherhood
  
  Report this comment
Saving_the_Republic.com
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:15pm
Hmmm US military and law enforcement (active/retired) take note! The day is coming when you are going to have to make a decision: Will you uphold your Oath to the Constitution, people of America and this nation or be an automaton following orders?

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- galaxie_man
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:56pm
  Remember what happened at The Hague after WWII. Following orders is not an excuse to commit unconstitutional acts or crimes against humanity. LE and military that participate WILL find themselves at the end of a rope in a noose, with American Patriots carrying out the sentence.
  
  Like them or hate them, Oathkeepers makes people recall swearing an oath.
  
  Report this comment
- Chromo200
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 10:12pm
  You want to see what the authorities will be doing. look at the TSA … These people trample your rights and frisk kids, and if you photograph them they arrest you. Why do you think all the bullets and armored cars for DHS. They know they have the cops and storm troopers on their side. “I’m just doing what I was ordered to do.” will be mantra. We forget Kent State. Look how any G.I.s support Obama and they have no idea of what truly they are fighting for.
  
  Report this comment
Rayblue
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:15pm
Flags at half mast for Hugo Chavez.

Morsi could learn from our dictator. Learn how to be a world class rat.

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OldSurfRat
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:14pm
Cool!!!!!!!
Hey Mr O hows that abrab spring workin for ya??l!!

To all the good LEOs out there please take note.
We the people will stand with you if you need us and we hope you will stand with us if we need you.

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kat747
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:08pm
There is now HOPE for the people of Egypt !

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- SpankDaMonkey
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:18pm
  .
  Nope still Muslim…..
  
  Report this comment
- carhouse
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:19pm
  No they will be killed by the brotherhood with US weapons that barry gave the brohood
  
  Report this comment
SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:08pm
.
Would you look at all those Rocks!!!!! And not one of them from a SpankDaMonkey’s Rock Chunk’in Emporium outlet. Damn Brotherhood would not let me open a store. I’m missing out on a fortune…..

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- OldSurfRat
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:34pm
  Spnak
  
  Damn your right I see money to be made and for a good cause!
  With that kind of overhead you could afford to have BOGOs everyday.
  
  Wonder if they come with instructions?
  
  Report this comment
- Rayblue
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:36pm
  Maybe with the money you could open a free lunch kitchen.
  Charge for the french fries tho. They can be expensive so I hear.
  
  Report this comment
- OldSurfRat
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:41pm
  Sorry about the type O SPANK (:
  
  Report this comment
- SpankDaMonkey
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:03pm
  .
  OldSurfRat,
  
  Yes every bag of Rock’s from SpankDaMonkey’s Rock Chunk’in Emporium, comes with the Ernest T Bass Rock Chunk’in Guide…..
  
  Report this comment
maggiepie
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:07pm
Our sheriffs in parts of U.S. are standing against more gun control, but, they need more numbers from
all law enforcement. I’ll bet most are being held back because of unions. If things in this country don’t
turn around we will become Egypt.

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gyro
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:06pm
yippy bring in the army paid for by obama and wack those unbelievers

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:05pm
Obama must be having kittens over the threat of his Muslim Brotherhood now face; he helped them come to power in Egypt, as with the terrorists in Libya and is assisting them in Syria.

Let the Brotherhood fall fast, far and hard. Maybe it will awaken the people here at home of the final threat Obama truly represents.

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- kat747
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:09pm
  AMEN to that….
  
  Report this comment
- gyro
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:27pm
  Snowleopard — watch that talk theres a drone out there looking for you
  
  Report this comment
- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:56pm
  @Gyro – given the stance I have taken, and will continue to take with the administration, I already have figured my death will happen in due time.
  
  If God so wills it, then so be it.
  
  I refuse to be silent.
  
  Report this comment
resme
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:59pm
WOW!! Freak’n Patriots…. If only our cops were like this… It’d be awesome to see a cop arrest a brother in blue or a government official.

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- DLV
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:11pm
  Ya I’m a bit surprised myself.
  
  Report this comment
Budrow
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:58pm
Send-in the Drones!

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Cavallo
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:54pm
Egyptian oathkeepers? Wow, .. some trolls on this board would have wanted them shot.

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- JGraham III
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:01pm
  My my! It appears that the Muslin Bro’hood is being impaled on their own swords! What does anyone expect from a religion that has elevated one of their pantheon of gods, namely the god of war to the status of “allah”?
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:18pm
  I think maybe one of the problems is that they are worshiping a Siva Lingam only (Yup, what they are bowing to in Mecca is a giant phallus symbol of the Hindu god of destruction). Without the Shakti Yoni it is understandable that violence and unbalance may follow.
  
  Report this comment
banjarmon
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:49pm
It is good when people of islam fight among themselves, That’s when they leave others alone.

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- justangry
  Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:54pm
  Seems to me this is more secular police protesting a theocracy, no?
  
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justangry
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 12:46pm
If only ours would do the same thing…

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