Washington condemns violence against protesters in Egypt

The United States has strongly condemned the violence against protesters in Egypt and called on the government to investigate and to hold those responsible to account. The last ten days or so have seen violence between protesters and security forces in which 59 people have been killed. In an incident that sparked particular outrage, police were caught on video beating and dragging a naked man during a protest on Friday. "Egyptians participated in their revolution in order to bring democracy, in order to bring rule of law and freedom for all - not more violence, not sexual assault, and not looting," US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters. "We strongly condemn the recent violence and the attacks that have taken place in Egypt. We are extremely disturbed by these incidents, including the beating of a defenseless man last week," she added. "We urge the government of Egypt to thoroughly, credibly and independently investigate all claims of violence and wrongdoing by security officials and demonstrators and to bring the perpetrators to justice." The man who was beaten, stripped and dragged by police, Hamada Saber, 48, was shown on state television in a police hospital saying protesters had stripped him. He later reversed his statement and told a public prosecutor that riot police were responsible for the attack.