Major General Ismail Etman, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), has praised state television’s coverage of the Maspero clashes, and denied SCAF interfered in its editorial policy.

Etman was speaking on Wednesday before the start of a press conference announced by SCAF to explain its account of the deadly clashes that took place between the army and pro-Coptic protesters on Sunday, leaving at least 25 dead and 329 injured.

“I salute state television for showing the truth on-air, as I do all channels that transmitted live coverage,” said Etman. “Media should tell the entire truth, be unbiased and keep the public interest in mind.”

“[SCAF] does not censor opinions, even if they are against it, and it [SCAF] respects the majority’s opinion,” stated Etman.

State television’s coverage of the Maspero clashes was heavily criticised by several public figures and political forces, as well as human rights organisations, which accused it of incitement against the protesters.