Saturday, July 19, 2025
spot_img

Egypt’s deputy premier quits over deadly clashes

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Cairo: Egypt’s deputy prime minister on Tuesday resigned over clashes that killed 25 people, mainly Coptic Christians, amid mounting anger at the ruling military and calls for the premier to quit.

Hazem al-Beblawi announced his resignation, saying that despite having no direct involvement in the clashes, the government ultimately bore responsibility for what happened.

“The current circumstances are very difficult and require a new and different way of thinking and working,” Beblawi was quoted as saying by the official MENA news agency.

On Sunday, 25 people were killed and more than 300 injured when a protest demonstration by Coptic Christians was attacked by the army and thugs, sparking furious condemnation of the leadership’s handling of the transition from Hosni Mubarak’s rule.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which took power when Mubarak was ousted in February, had tasked Prime Minister Essam Sharaf’s government to immediately form a fact-finding panel to investigate the clashes.

The UN human rights office urged Egypt to ensure that any probes are conducted in an impartial and independent manner.

Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed regret over the deaths, and urged the authorities “to ensure the impartiality and independence of any investigation undertaken into the incident.”

Political and religious leaders spent yesterday in crisis talks, amid fears of widespread sectarian unrest threatening an already fragile transition. (AFP)

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Tiger Shroff surprises dad Jackie during Hunter S2 trailer launch

Actor Jackie Shroff received a big surprise during the trailer launch of his forthcoming action series Hunter 2...

‘Meant for global domination’

Bebo wishes PeeCee on her 43rd birthday Actress Kareena Kapoor said ‘You were meant for global domination’ as she...

Entertainment Buzz

Tickets for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey sell out in minutes The tickets for the upcoming film The Odyssey from...

EU, UK impose new sanctions on Russia’s energy and spies

EU and UK ramp up pressure on Moscow with toughest sanctions yet, targeting energy, intelligence, and shadow oil fleet Brussels,...