Legal procedures continue in Warraq case

Defendants accused of committing violence interrogated, residents hopeful of compensation or rebuilding demolished houses

The North Giza Prosecution ordered the detention of nine residents from Warraq Island for 15 days, after they were arrested during the violence that took place last Sunday during a campaign to demolish houses.

The defendants are accused of rioting, clashing with police forces, resisting authorities, and possessing weapons.

Mohamed M., a resident on the island, told Daily News Egypt that the defendants are treated as both accused and as victims, adding that during the investigation they confessed that they were assaulted by their neighbours who carried weapons.

He added that a delegation from parliament has visited the island to negotiate with the residents and said, “The main demand that the residents asked for was the compensation of the houses that were demolished, or to rebuild the demolished houses.”

However, Deputy Giza Governor Alaa Al-Haras confirmed to Daily News EgyptTuesday that“the government will not be intimidated to stop its plans,” declining to give exact dates on when encroachment procedures would resume.

The resident said that a protest took place to demand the government to release the arrested defendants and start a dialogue.

On Sunday, security forces were carrying out a demolition campaign on some buildings, some of which were inhabited, when the clashes began between security forces and residents of the island.