Egyptians in New Zealand rally against the massacre of protesters

17th August 2013
For Immediate Release

The Egyptian community in New Zealand will stand tomorrow (Sunday) in Aotea Square at 12pm against the horrific crackdown on civilian protesters in Egypt over the last week.

At least 600 protestors, many of whom are women and children, were mercilessly gunned down by security forces on Wednesday. Many thousands are reported injured and many have been detained or are missing.

Just yesterday, a further 100 protestors were killed across the country during rallies against the earlier crackdown, and at least 1000 have been arrested. The security forces have shown no signs of restraint or accountability, and state violence continues to increase.

The interim Government in Egypt has failed to condemn the actions of the Police and the Army, and instead has praised their role in cracking down on "terrorists". However, it is painfully clear that those who were in Al Nahda square and Rabea El-Adaweya square were unarmed Egyptian civilians protesting peacefuly. The Government and military leadership are wholy responsible for this violence and must be held to account.

On Sunday the 18th August from 12pm until 2pm we will gather at Aotea Square in Auckland to mourn the hundreds that have been killed. We will also be performing Salat al-Janazah, the Muslim prayer for the deceased.

Many of our families back home are involved in peaceful protests against the Military and Police, and we are all fearful for their lives.

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