Egypt to expel university student protesters

By Islam Mosaad     

CAIRO 

University heads have been instructed to expel students who participate in demonstrations or riots inside university campuses without even questioning them or referring them to a disciplinary committee, a Higher Education Ministry official said Monday.

The official, who requested anonymity, told Anadolu Agency that the instructions had been given orally to university heads late on Sunday.

Higher Education Minister Al-Sayed Abdel-Khaliq warned Sunday that he would issue "important decisions" against any students found to be involved in university riots or violence.

Egyptian campuses were overwhelmed by protests on Sunday – the second day of the new academic year at the nation's universities.

Students who oppose the current authorities and support ousted president Mohamed Morsi were accused of destroying metal detectors installed at the gates of some universities, committing acts of violence, and prompting the staff of a private security firm to flee.

On Saturday, the pro-Morsi "Students against the Coup" movement called on university students to stage uprisings on campus.

The Higher Education Ministry source said the minister had ordered university presidents to single out students who had participated in Sunday's rallies – using footage taken from university security cameras – in advance of taking disciplinary action against them. 

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