Mob rapes in Tahrir Square worry rights groups <http://www.cbc.ca/> Description: CBCCBC 8 hours ago
Human Rights Watch says at least 91 women have been raped over the past four
days in Cairo's Tahrir Square, a central site of recent mass protests that
have shaken the country's political leadership.
The New York-based rights group reported on its website Wednesday that the
attacks were perpetrated by mobs in the square, and called on Egyptian
authorities to address what it called a climate of impunity in the Middle
East country when it comes to cases of sexual violence.
The string of alleged attacks highlight the failure of the government and
all political parties to face up to the violence that women in Egypt
experience on a daily basis in public spaces, Joe Stork, the group's Middle
East director, said in a statement.
These are serious crimes that are holding women back from participating
fully in the public life of Egypt at a critical point in the countrys
development.
Human Rights Watch cited numbers from Operation Anti-Sexual
Harassment/Assault, an Egyptian group, which it said had confirmed 46
attacks on June 30, an additional 17 attacks on July 1, and 23 attacks on
July 2. A second Egyptian group, Nazra for Feminist Studies, reported
another five attacks on June 28.
The United Nations has also called attention to the sexual violence
perpetrated during Egypt's mass protests. On Monday, a spokesperson for UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement following reports of
protesters being killed, injured, or sexually assaulted.
Though it would seem the vast majority of those taking part in protests
have done so peacefully to this point, the reports of a number of deaths and
injuries, of sexual assault against women demonstrators, as well as acts of
destruction of property are to be strongly condemned, the statement said.
The targeting of women at political demonstrations has been a recurring
problem in Egypt. One of the most high profile cases occurred two years ago,
when a mob attack on CBS News correspondent Lara Logan in Tahrir Square made
international headlines. The American TV network said Logan was the victim
of a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating but was eventually
saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers.
Initiatives to counter the problem have mushroomed in recent months, with
groups protecting women at large protests or during national holidays when
groping and harassment in crowds is at an all-time high. Activists have
offered self-defence classes for women. Social network sites have been
started where women can name and shame their harassers.
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy"
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
"Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko"
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