Egypt is paying the price for global stability: Sisi

During Police Day celebrations at the Police Academy on Tuesday, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi commended the police for their efforts in fighting terrorism, asserting that Egypt is at the forefront of the International battle against it.

“People have to know that Egypt is paying the price for the stability of this whole region. Not just the Arab region, but also Europe and the world,” Sisi said, surrounded by the children of some of the police officers who died recently during service.

The celebration commemorated Police Day, historically held on January 25, which also became the anniversary of the revolution that broke out on the same day in 2011, motivated largely by police brutality.

Sisi commended the police for their work, which he said has included both patriotism and sacrifice in an effort to protect the rights of citizens.

His speech comes amid a wave of criticism of police brutality and the violation of rights, both in Egypt and internationally.

Sisi addressed concerns over the number of civilian victims in the war on terrorism that the government has been waging in Sinai, defending the right of the state to protect its sovereignty and borders.

He said that, since the start of the August 2013 military operation, 208 armed militants have been killed and 955 arrested. Half of them were released following investigations, he added, asserting that the Armed Forces operate within the rule of law.

“I say this because we are protecting our land without excessive force or violations, although we are capable of it,” he said.

Sisi said that the situation in Sinai is too complicated to solve in a short period of time and that all of society has a responsibility to fight extremist tendencies, along with the state.

He addressed concerns that the state of human rights and liberties in Egypt are deteriorating, amid a crackdown on street movements and the imprisoning of thousands on charges related to political activity.

“I’m not saying we reject protests; we hold them in high esteem, and I cherish that, but there are 80 million people who want to eat and live and guarantee their future,” he said.

Sisi reiterated that he is keener on human rights than anyone else, but added that Egypt is going through an exceptional crisis, during which he admitted the violations of rights and freedoms are possible.

“Be careful when you ask for your rights, not to bring us all down with you,” he warned, adding that rights are not only limited to freedom of expression, but also include the right to healthcare, education and other services, urging those who focus on the right to protest to support him in his quest to provide these services instead.