Interior minister inspects security conditions in Matariya – state media

Tuesday 27-01-2015 10:21 PM
Interior minister inspects security conditions in Matariya – state media
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CAIRO, Jan 27 (Aswat Masriya) Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim went to Matariya on Tuesday evening in a "surprise tour" to inspect security conditions in the east Cairo neighbourhood, state-run MENA reported.

Ibrahim inspected security patrols, especially on the streets that witnessed clashes. The minister called on security forces to confront any form of lawlessness "directly" and "decisively".  

Deadly violence broke out across the nation on Sunday, which marked the passing of four years since the January 2011 uprising that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak.

At least 23 died in the violence, with Matariya being the scene of the most fatal clashes.    

Ahmed, a Matariya resident told Aswat Masriya, at the time of the minister's visit, that the streets of Matariya were very calm.

He added that there is a heavy security presence in the neighbourhood and many armoured military vehicles on the streets.

Most of the deaths resulting from the violence took place on Sunday but one person died in clashes in Matariya on Monday, health ministry official Khaled al-Khatib said in a statement.  

In the late hours of Monday, the Interior Ministry announced that police reinforcements were sent to Matariya after "terrorists" belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood "used live fire and Molotov cocktails against security forces" in the neighbourhood. 

On Monday, Ibrahim accused the Brotherhood of being responsible for the violence across the nation during a press conference.

Prosecutors ordered the detention of 43 people in Matariya on Tuesday, MENA reported. They are accused of the murder of both civilians and security personnel and attempted murder.

The prosecution had opened an investigation with 43 defendants accused of involvement in the Matariya violence on Monday. 

In total, more than 500 people were arrested across the nation in the aftermath of the violence.    

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