EGYPT’S 6 APRIL MOVEMENT DEMANDS RELEASE OF 13 MEMBERS

Cairo, 8 Dhulqo’dah 1435/3 August 2014 (MINA) – The 6 April Movement demanded security forces to release 13 of its members who were arrested on their way to the residence of the late Ahmed al-Masry, another member of the group, to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.

Nabil Mohamed, a member of the media office, said in a statement on Tuesday those members did not commit any unlawful act. “Since when does the government respect or implement the law,” he wondered, as quoted by Egypt Independent and Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

“The regime is against those who side with the people and reveal its lies, corruption and ugly face that is biased to businessmen and suppresses the poor,” he said as adding, “This is happening especially after the movement held several sudden events recently.”

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the detained and we hold the Interior Ministry responsible for their safety,” he said.

The 6 April Movement was a main opponent to toppled president Hosni Mubarak and Mohamed Morsy.

It was formed upon calls for a general strike on 6 April 2008 in solidarity with the protests of the spinning and weaving workers in Mahalla against price hikes and low wages.

A court in April upheld a 3-year prison sentence against group founder Ahmed Maher over charges of breaking the laws regulating protests and for assaulting public servants in late 2013.(T/R04/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)