Human rights groups have revealed the identity of a central security officer who refused to fire at protesters in Mohamed Mahmoud Street, and called on the Interior Ministry and the general prosecutor to provide him with witness protection. Hisham Mubarak Law Center, the Freedom Committee of the Lawyers Syndicate, and a committee comprising activists who defend martyrs' rights are among the groups.
The officer is named Ibrahim Fatehy Adly al-Sayyed. He is hiding in a safe place, but cannot go home or to work for fear of being arrested or attacked, said Ahmed Saif al-Islam, head of Hisham Mubarak Law Center, during a conference Saturday at the Lawyers Syndicate.
Fatehy refused to obey his commander and use bird shot against demonstrators in Mohamed Mahmoud Street on 19 November. His commander responded by striking him in the head, after which he lost consciousness and was transferred to a field hospital in Tahrir Square, said Saif al-Islam.
Fatehy is currently hiding in a safe place, he said, denying that Fatehy's family has received threats.
Tariq Ramadan, Fatehy’s lawyer, said he filed a complaint at the attorney general's office, explaining the incident in full detail, and demanded full protection for Fatehy until the hearings are completed.
Ramadan added that Fatehy cannot return to his home or place of work for fear of being arrested.
Ramadan called on the Interior Ministry to issue a statement pledging to protect the officer from his superiors.
