Cabinet clashes trial adjourned until 13 August

Ahram Online , Monday 4 Aug 2014

A Cairo criminal court adjourns the trial of 269 protesters accused of attacking security personnel at the cabinet building in December 2011

Ahmed Douma
File Photo: Political activist Ahmed Douma look on from behind bars in Abdeen court in Cairo, December 22, 2013 (Photo: Reuters)

The trial of revolutionary protesters and activists, including Ahmed Douma, for allegedly attacking security personnel at the cabinet building in December 2011 has been adjourned until 13 August

In the next session, the radio and television committee assigned by the court to check evidence from video clips and CCTV will present its findings.

During Monday's session, Ahmed Douma objected that he was put in a glass cage in the court room instead of a normal cage. The famous activist, who is currently serving three years in jail for unauthorised protesting, demanded the removal of the glass cage so he could speak with his lawyer as he wanted in accordance with the law.

The prosecution accuses 269 defendants of torching the Scientific Institute as well the parliament and cabinet buildings in downtown Cairo. They are also accused of attacking security and army personnel, blocking highways, attempting to torch the ministry of interior and possessing Molotov cocktails.

On 16 December 2011, military forces forcibly dispersed a three-week-long sit-in at the cabinet buildings against military rule by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which took power following the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak. At least 18 were killed and hundreds injured in the violence which spanned five days, now referred to as the "cabinet clashes."

A delegation from the European Union attended the session.

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