The National Council for Human Rights severely condemned the use of violence and live ammunition against peaceful protestors at Maspiro Sunday Night. The council asked how protests, which always start peacefully, end with blood and martyrs. It held an emergency meeting Monday to discuss the Maspiro incidents that claimed the lives of 24. The council also condemned media coverage some TV and radio channels which it said incited some to join the clashes. It also called on official media to maintain credibility within their messages and coverage to stop sectarian violence. The council appreciates the Egyptians' right to peacefully protest because of delayed response to urgent and legitimate demands, it said. The council underlined the necessity of passing the law governing construction of houses of worship, and applying the law of non-discrimination. It submitted the laws to relevant institutions a few years ago. It ensured the law of non-discrimination would not be enough if only focused on criminal punishments. It called for forming a commission that would promote the principle of equality and equal opportunities among citizens. The council stressed the futility of reconciliation after every incident at the expense of the rule of law. It called for the need of legal punishments for violators without delay. It human rights organization called for an immediate investigation into the Maspiro incidents by an independent, civil committee.
