Egyptian Authorities announced on Wednesday the release of more Bedouin detainees in a move that aims to allay the tension in their relationship with Sinai security authorities. In a meeting with the detainees' families on Wednesday, North Sinai Governor Abdel Wahab Mabrouk said that a new group of prisoners has been released, and the records of others are being examined before their release. Mabrouk also noted that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has ordered the release of 31 people who had been sentenced on criminal charges by military tribunals. The military verdicts issued in absentia against another 22 people will also be dropped, he said. The governor also revealed that Justice Minister Mohamed Abdel Aziz al-Guindy has agreed to grant amnesty to Bedouin inmates who have completed half their prison sentences, as well as prisoners with health problems. As for political detainees, Mabrouk said, a list of prisoners held in Sinai prisons will be compiled in preparation for their release, as per directives from Interior Minister Mansour al-Essawy. On the other hand, the general advocate for North Sinai prosecution services has decided to release eight detainees who were being held at the central prison in Arish pending investigation. Bedouins have long complained about arbitrary arrests and lack of development. Egyptian police, meanwhile, have accused them of involvement in arms smuggling to Gaza and human trafficking to Israel. Tens of thousands of Bedouins protested during the 25 January revolution. They called for an end to unemployment in North Sinai and the release of Bedouins arrested four years ago and detained without trial.
