Egypt launches probe into role of military rulers in protesters’ deaths

PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt launched Monday, October 15 an investigation of the country's former military rulers for their alleged role in the killing of protesters during their nearly 17 months in power, an unprecedented civilian probe into the affairs of an army that has traditionally shielded itself from outside scrutiny, AP said.

International and local rights groups have pressed Egypt's newly elected president to hold to account the council of military officers who ruled the country from the February, 2011 overthrow of Hosni Mubarak to this summer. At least 120 protesters died in clashes with security forces and soldiers during this time.

A court official named Judge Tharwat Hamad as leading the probe of accusations against Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, and the other generals who sat on the body that ran Egypt during the 17-month transitional period. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

But investigation is up against what rights groups call the military's culture of impunity, as well a decree passed by SCAF before giving up power that protects members from civilian investigation even after they are out of service.

Some lawyers have questioned whether civilian investigators will be able to take key steps like summoning the generals for questioning.