A total of 154 protesters have so far been detained on charges relating to the violent clashes that took place outside the presidential palace in Heliopolis on Wednesday night, leaving five dead and over 1,000 injured. At least 49 of the detainees were brought to the Heliopolis police station by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Initial investigations allege that five of the detainees are Muslim Brotherhood members while the rest come from the opposition.
Two of the detainees have gone on a hunger strike in protest.
Many of the suspects suffered bruises from having been hit by stones. Authorities claim that they have received medical treatment.
On Thursday Prosecutor General Talaat Ibrahim Abdallah instructed East Cairo-based attorney generals to visit the area of the clashes and examine the scene. The prosecution’s investigators have already conducted their own examination.
Another team of investigators have visited those injured in the clashes in the hospital to question them on the details of the events and review their medical reports.
After the prosecutor general ordered a forensic autopsy on the five deceased protesters to determine the cause of death, medical reports established that the fatal injuries included gunshot wounds from live ammunition as well as knife wounds.
All detainees arrested in the course of the clashes as well as other witnesses are being questioned by the prosecutor’s office, in an effort to determine criminal responsibility in the matter and bring the perpetrators to trial.
Edited translation from MENA and Al-Masry Al-Youm
