An unknown number of pro-Morsi protesters were killed in Cairo today as security forces undertook a planned operation to clear Morsi supporters from two sit-in demonstrations (Photo Credit: Ed Giles/Getty Images).
Promises by the authorities to use lethal methods only as a last resort to disperse protesters appear to have been broken. All too often in the past, Egyptian security forces have used excessive force against demonstrators with catastrophic consequences.
Amnesty International working on the ground to verify any abuses that may have been carried out after a pro-Morsi sit-in was dispersed in Cairo today. We also stress Egyptian security forces must take urgent steps to avoid further bloodshed.
Access to the main hospital in the area near the sit-in at Rabaa al-Adawiya is also reported to be restricted.
Security forces have a duty to prevent further loss of life. This must be an immediate priority. Any injured protesters must immediately be granted unimpeded access to medical treatment. The authorities must also ensure safe exit for anyone wishing to leave the sit-in.
More than 200 people have been killed during clashes and other political violence since President Mohamed Morsi was toppled following mass demonstrations in June.
A Morsi supporter kneels among the bodies of dead pro-Morsi protesters on the floor of the Rabaa al-Adaweya Medical Center in Cairo after a clash with Egyptian security forces on August 14 (Photo Credit: Ed Giles/Getty Images).
Why did they do this?? It was a PRO demonstration for morsi, not an ANTI demonstration for something else!
It's painful just to see this is happening to people I don't even know. It makes me mad the world is so unfair sometimes. I can only imagine what the relatives, friends or people who live there are going through !
Why did they have to resort to violence? What was gained by this and where was the threat? So many people are being killed and harmed for no reason…..it makes me want to shout.