Prosecution to investigate 25 Egyptians arrested for protesting

Saturday 16-04-2016 03:13 PM

Activists protest Sisi's transfer of the Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia in front of the Journalists' Syndicate on April 15th, 2016. (ASWAT MASRIYA/ Mohamed al-Raai)

CAIRO, Apr 16 (Aswat Masriya) - Qasr al-Nil prosecution will begin investigating 25 people arrested on Friday during protests against the recent maritime border demarcation agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, said a judicial source on Saturday.

The source told Aswat Masriya that those arrested were taken to the prosecution's office, where they were accused of "inciting riots" during protests that erupted on Friday.

Marking a rare expression of public anger, thousands of protestors gathered in front of the press syndicate, under the slogan "Friday of the land." An announcement made by the Egyptian Cabinet last week that Egypt signed a maritime border demarcation agreement with Saudi Arabia stipulating that two disputed islands, Tiran and Sanafir, are part of Saudi territorial waters, has provoked public ire in Egypt.  

The agreement came under heavy scrutiny by many Egyptians who argue that the two islands belong to Egypt and should not be given up to Saudi Arabia. It has yet to be ratified by the parliament.

During Friday's protests, security forces arrested at least 100 people in nine different provinces across Egypt.

Protesters ended their demonstration Friday evening and said they will resume protesting on Apr. 25, which coincides with Sinai Liberation day. 

The protests have brought many activists and people back to the streets after months of hiatus and lack of participation in political activity.  

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