A supporter of President Hosni Mubarak, on camel, fights with anti-Mubarak protesters in Cairo, Egypt (Photo: AP)
Adel Abdel Salam Goma’a, the judge appointed for the upcoming trial of those accused of planning the 2 February 'Battle of the Camel', has said he will be unable to oversee the case.
Goma’a explained his decision in a letter to the Minister of Justice, stating that he had to turn down the trial, scheduled for 20 August, as he is "busy handling too many cases at the time being".
The Battle of the Camel involved organised, violent attacks on Tahrir protestors in an attempt to terrorise participants and clear the square.
The perpetrators raided the square riding horses and camels and carrying weapons, Molotov cocktails, and rocks with which to attack protesters.
The battle resulted in a number of fatalities as well as thousands of injuries, many of them severe.
Those accused of masterminding the attacks include former government and parliamentary officials, as well as members of the dismantled National Democratic Party.
The most notable figures due to stand trial are Safwat El-Sherif, Secretary General of the National Democratic Party and Head of the former Shoura Council, and Fatthy Sorour, head of the former People’s Assembly.
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