The decision to prosecute security workers who defended police stations and public establishments during the revolution is one reason for Egypt's security problems, Interior Minister Mansour al-Essawy said Tuesday. Essawy explained that the decision has led to a lack of self-confidence on the part of security personnel. “There should have been differentiation between those who were defending people and establishments and others who were assaulting protesters,” Essawy told Egyptian state radio on Tuesday. He said large numbers of policemen fear confrontation with thugs because of the confusion. The minister stressed the necessity of police presence and warned against negligence or carelessness on the part of police. He also said policemen would be brought to trial in case they left work unauthorized or exceeded their maximum number of absences allowed. Regarding police's need for new laws, Essawy said, “We're not in need of a new law, as the penal code includes many articles that give the citizens, not only police, the right to defend themselves and others in case of danger." He said that policemen are authorized to defend people and property. Translated from the Arabic Edition
