CAIRO: A government committee said Wednesday those injured during the January 25 Revolution will receive LE 5,000 each. The money can be collected from the Ministry of Social Solidarity and its branches in governorates around the country, according to the Cabinet's official website. The injured and families of those who were killed in the 18-day uprising have been complaining of government negligence. Many said they could not find enough funds for desperately needed surgical operations. Others, who are now living with different disabilities, said they need jobs, while others still demand pensions. Khalaf Bayoumi, the lawyer representing the families of martyrs and injured in Alexandria, welcomed the announcement as a positive step by the Cabinet. However, documents needed to prove that the injured are eligible for the compensation need to be detailed. The LE 5,000, he continued, were not enough to cover the expenses of those severely injured or disabled. Stressing that some require special medical treatment, he said the government needs to take care of these cases “socially and financially, including those who have permanent disabilities.” The committee previously approved handing out LE 1,000 for each person on a list of 1,014 documented cases of injuries. “These people should be compensated for their loss, so they don't harbor negative feelings against the country and the government,” Bayoumi said. Clashes between protesters and police forces during the uprising left at least 846 dead and 6,467 injured, according to a report issued by an official fact-finding mission.
