Third explosion in front of Cairo University, one officer killed
A third explosion took place in front of Cairo University on Wednesday following two bombs that went off in front of the university's main gate, leaving one officer dead, the Ministry of Interior revealed in an official statement.
Brigadier General Tarek al-Mergawy was killed when two bombs exploded next to a security checkpoint outside the main gates of Cairo University. The three bombs were remotely detonated according to state-owned Al-Ahram.
The official Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported that the deceased officer was the head of the West Giza investigations unit.
The injured officers belong to the Giza Security Directorate, the ministry stated.
The third bomb went off when explosives experts were combing the area to ensure that there were no more bombs in the vicinity. They later managed to diffuse a fourth bomb that was planted in the area.
The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), Amr Darrag, condemned the bombings, citing the "clear failure of police forces to secure its members."
"The student movement is peaceful and will remain peaceful. I support the condemnation of the attack by the spokesperson of Students Against the Coup," he tweeted.
Students Against the Coup (SAC) is an umbrella group of students headed by pro-Brotherhood students who oppose the military-backed interim government.
Darrag denied any accusations of Brotherhood involvement in the bombings, adding that "Islam is innocent from these terrorist attacks, how come all of these bombs are planted in the places where police forces are located? We should all unite to face this terrorism."
SAC spokesperson Ahmed Gamal condemned the bombings, slamming the Ministry of Interior for its alleged "failure" to secure its officers.
"It is the same futile style of the Ministry of Interior to justify its oppressive practices, this time by accusing students of being involved in these bombings. If students wanted to follow violent tactics, they would have done this a long time ago, but peacefulness is our style and we will not be deceived," Gamal said in a statement posted on SAC's official Facebook page.
In another statement by SAC students posted on the FJP's official Facebook page, the contentious student movement accused the Ministry of Interior of provoking violence and accusing students of violence to justify more oppression against them.
The Ministry of Interior has not yet filed any official charges against any involved entities.
Cairo University has witnessed increasing violence since the beginning of the academic year, which has led to the death of one student.
أخبار ذات صلة
Belqas protestors clash with police after torture kills detainee, lawyer says
Following 21-year-old Ayman Sabry’s death in police custody, footage published on social media showed clashes taking place on Sunday night between residents…
Sources: 3 police personnel killed, 12 injured in armed attack near Ismailia
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack
Province of Sinai claims responsibility for Sheikh Zuwayed suicide bombing that Interior Ministry says killed 7, injured 26
7 people, including 3 civilians, were killed and 26 civilians were injured in a suicide bombing
Court sentences 1 person to death, 4 to life imprisonment over 2014 attack on police officers
One person was sentenced to death and four others were sentenced to life in prison on Sunday
Your support is the only way to ensure independent, progressive journalism survives.
You have a right to access accurate information, be stimulated by innovative and nuanced reporting, and be moved by compelling storytelling. Subscribe now to become part of the growing community of members who help us maintain our editorial independence.
Join us