Egyptian president Mohamed Morsy said Saturday that he “loves and appreciates” the police during the graduation ceremony for a new class of police academy students.
Morsy gave a brief speech, as he wasn’t officially scheduled to speak.
“One of my sons whispered to me while recieving his medal that ‘some said that you may not honor [by attending the ceremony] your sons in the police’,” state owned Al-Ahram newspaper quoted Morsy as saying.
“I assure you that I do this honoring and attending out of full conviction, love, appreciation and respect for all. That’s what I did and will continue soon with my brothers and sons in the military forces. I have a great appreciation for all of you,” he said.
Morsy called on the graduates to do their duty in preserving the security and stability of Egypt. “I feel great pleasure when I see the armed forces and police do their national duty,” he added.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri, Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim and several ministry generals attended the graduation ceremony.
Egypt's police have come under harsh criticism since the January 25 uprising, which was partly triggered by widespead incidents of police brutality, such as the killing of Khaled Saeed in Alexandria in 2010. Hundreds died during the uprising because of the use of excessive force by police against demonstrators. Police then disappeared from the streets for some time, leaving a so-called "security vacuum."
Activists have demanded that the police institution be reconstructed to guarantee a respect for human rights.
