Egypt rises: Killings, detentions and torture in the '25 January revolution'

Amnesty International, 2011, 96 pages

During 18 extraordinary days in early 2011, millions of Egyptians rose up against police brutality, poverty and the relentless repression of their basic freedoms, and ended up ousting the president. Most of the protests were peaceful, yet the authorities’ response was not. At least 840 people were killed and around 6,500 were injured. Thousands were detained and many allegedly tortured by the security forces or the army.

The security forces used tear gas, water cannons, shotgun pellets, rubber bullets and live ammunition against protesters, usually when they were posing no threat. They showed a flagrant disregard for life and exercised no restraint, nor did they seek to minimize injury, including to bystanders.

This report describes why and how the “25 January revolution” unfolded, and the patterns of repression by security forces. It documents many cases of those killed, injured, arrested or tortured. Amnesty International is urging the authorities to investigate all these abuses and provide the victims and their families with an effective remedy, including by bringing to justice those responsible and providing victims with reparation. It is also urging the authorities to implement a human rights agenda for Change so that Egypt can truly break away from its repressive past.