Egypt's Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim pledged on Monday that police services will work diligently to maintain security and the rule of law, and to protect human rights.
In a message addressed to the Egyptian people published by Al-Masry Al-Youm, Ibrahim said he made the pledge in light of new ethical rules established by the police after the 25 January revolution.
Human rights violations by police were one of the main triggers of the January 2011 uprising, which eventually forced former President Hosni Mubarak to resign.
The protests began on 25 January, which is Police Day. That date was chosen because security services were seen as a key tool used by the old regime to stifle opposition. Former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly is currently being tried on charges of ordering the killing of peaceful protesters during the uprising.
But Ibrahim’s recent message promised on behalf of policemen to protect liberties, human rights and democratic principles with respect to the Constitution and the law.
"It is a good sign that two national occasions coincide in one day, Police Day and the revolution's anniversary," the minister said. "It is as if God is reminding us of the ties and harmony between policemen and revolutionaries.”
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
