Culture Minister Emad Abou Ghazi has confirmed his resignation from the government of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, and denied reports his daughter has been detained.

Abou Ghazi resigned in protest at the brutal repression of peaceful protests by Central Security Forces and military police, ongoing since Friday.

Over 20 people have been killed and thousands injured, in both Cairo and Alexandria, many with eye injuries.

He told Ahram Online: “I have resigned and will not take it back. It is true my decision is late but I won’t reconsider.”