Security services clashed with members of a popular tribunal established to "try" the ruling National Democratic Party on charges of incompetence and corruption as the tribunal attempted to hold its second session on Thursday. Some tribunal members were injured in the melee and taken to hospital.
The tribunal was initially scheduled to convene at the Maadi Lawyers Club, but members found the club’s premises tightly shut and without electricity. They therefore held the event on the sidewalk outside.
Security personnel quickly surrounded the assemblage, however, and forced it inside the club, which led to clashes between the two sides. Police subsequently arrested a number of lawyers participating in the tribunal, in addition to reporters and photographers covering the event, some of whom were briefly detained.
As of press time, the assembly remained holed up inside the club’s premises as security forces cordoned off the area.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
