Egypt detains 47 police officers

The Egyptian government has detained a total of 47 police officers for allegedly destroying documents in offices of the State Security Services.

The arrests came on Monday amid destruction of security buildings across Egypt by angry protesters a Press TV correspondent reported.

The demonstrators said they had acted after finding out that the officers were eliminating documents on rights abuses and misconduct by the security apparatus.

The State Security Agency is widely believed to be responsible for rights violations in Egypt under ousted president Hosni Mubarak.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered in the city of El Arish renewing their call for the dissolution of State Security Services.

Around 2,500 protesters stormed the state security building in Cairo’s Nasr City and grabbed official documents before officers could burn or shred them.

This comes a day after protesters gathered outside the state security agency in Alexandria, accusing officers inside the building of destroying evidence of rights abuses.

Protesters have called for the closure of the country’s security agency known as Amn al-Dowla, and the prosecution of its senior members.

Rights activists maintain that the agency was the main tool of repression used by Mubarak’s regime for over 30 years.

Under Egypt’s emergency law, Amn al-Dowla routinely arrested citizens and tortured them, activists allege.

Since Mubarak’s step-down on February 11, Egyptian security agencies have remained operational, but have maintained a low profile.

Help keep Expat Cairo independent. If you value our services any contribution towards our costs would be greatly appreciated.