Students have been protesting the death of their colleague Yara Tarek, who died on Monday after a university bus hit her inside the campus's parking lot
A majority of German University in Cairo (GUC) students boycotted their midterms Saturday and continued their protests for the fifth day after the administration refused to heed their demands.
The students have been protesting the death of their colleague Yara Tarek, a 19-year-old engineering student, who died Monday after a university bus hit her inside the campus's parking lot.
They have been sharing the pictures of almost deserted midterm examination rooms, and a number of statements have been posted online of entire classes declaring that they will boycott the exams until student demands are met.
Following Tarek's death, the university suspended classes for three days in mourning. Classes officially resumed Saturday, but students have vowed to protest until their demands are met.
Their demands include creating a safer parking system for students, paid leave for those involved in the accident until investigations are completed, and reexamining campus emergency services.
The university sent earlier an email stating that they would not accept absences in midterms or classes unless with a valid reason, as stipulated by university laws. Ahram Online couldn't immediately reach the administration for comment after the students boycotted the exams.
In parallel, a number of concerned parents met with the university's administration to discuss the current situation.
On Thursday, Egypt's prosecution released the driver accused of hitting and killing Yara Tarek after questioning him, pending further investigations.
The bus driver claimed he did nothing wrong, and instead blamed the university administration for neglect and not properly planning the parking lot on campus.
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