ANKARA (AA) - Amnesty International said the security forces have used excessive force against supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi.
Since last Friday, at least 88 people have been killed in protests and political violence, including three members of the security forces, with around 1,500 wounded, said the organization, adding at least 51 Morsi supporters were killed early Monday this week during clashes outside the Republican Guard Headquarters.
“Despite claims by the military that protesters attacked first during clashes on Monday and that no women and children were injured, first hand accounts collected by Amnesty International paint a very different picture. Even if some protesters used violence, the response was disproportionate and led to the loss of life and injury among peaceful protesters,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
The organization's findings suggest the use of disproportionate force by the security forces, including intentional lethal force. Many of those killed and injured had been shot in the head and upper body with shotgun pellets and live ammunition.
Amnesty International urged Egyptian authorities to end the military and police’s use of 'grossly disproportionate force'.
“The Egyptian authorities must also ensure that proper autopsy and medical reports are issued to facilitate thorough investigations and ensure access to justice and reparations.”
The organization also said that security forces had intervened too late or not at all during clashes between pro and anti Morsi supporters in Cairo and Alexandria on July 5 leading to a loss of life on both sides.
