Egypt's expelled college students could be readmitted after renouncing violence: Minister

Ahram Online , Monday 29 Dec 2014

Egyptian higher education minister said the decision to expel students who allegedly participated in violent protests could be overturned

Students Protest
File photo: Protesting Cairo University students shout slogans against the military and interior ministry during a demonstration in front of riot police at the main gate of the university in Cairo, November 24, 2013.

Egypt's higher education minister said on Monday that students expelled for participating in on-campus protests could be readmitted if they renounce violence.

El-Sayed Abdel-Khaleq said the decision to dismiss students is an "administrative" one that could be overturned, state news agency MENA reported.

Students, who wish to be readmitted, should – along with their parents – pledge not to engage in rioting or acts of violence.

On Wednesday, Cairo University readmitted 52 expelled students after they signed the necessary pledges.

A total of 140 students were expelled from Cairo University during the 2013-2014 academic year, head of Cairo University Gaber Nassar said.

Nassar said the readmitted students have not been involved in criminal acts and added that parents "will cooperate with the university to monitor the students and their activities and practices on campus."

Last year, 15 students were killed in clashes with security forces and other students on campusus around the country, with many demonstrations turning violent, a state-appointed fact-finding committee said.

Another 257 students were expelled and dozens were injured during the rallies, mostly by supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Recent statistics by an independent rights group, the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, said 317 students from different universities have been arrested this current academic year.

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