An unnamed security source has refuted reports that police officer Mohamed Sobhy El-Shennawy, who is accused of deliberately shooting protesters in the eye with a shotgun, had been on the run. State news agency Mena quoted the source as saying that El-Shennawy will be summoned to questioning within the next 72 hours. He also stated the first lieutenant's family has changed its occupation after receiving varied threats. Earlier, Interior Minister Mansour El-Eissawy said that El-Shennawy was at large, stressing that he would be arrested "sooner or later". El-Shennawy gained notoriety last week after an online video showing him shooting at protesters close to Tahrir Square – as soldiers from the Central Security Forces (CSF) cheered him on – was widely circulated. The video was shot in Mohamed Mahmoud Street, which branches from Tahrir Square and leads towards the Ministry of Interior's headquarters. This particular street witnessed fierce clashes between protesters and police forces throughout last week. On Wednesday, general prosecutors officially launched an investigation of El-Shennawy, also known as the “sniper of the eyes”, and ordered his arrest. Protesters in Tahrir Square, meanwhile, have sprayed graffiti and drawn posters attacking the CSF officer and demanding his arrest “dead or alive.” On social network sites Facebook and Twitter, users posted his full name, address and some information about him. A host of demonstrators have lost sight in their eyes during last week's confrontations, thanks to shotgun metal pellets. The violent clashes, which went on for five days, ultimately left more than 40 protesters dead countrywide. Several thousands were injured.
