Prosecutors have detained nine suspects for allegedly attacking the High Court Wednesday. Judicial sources said Thursday that three dismissed judges are accused of inciting six others to carry out the attack.
Clashes erupted on Wednesday outside the downtown Cairo court as protesters hurled stones, smashing its glass front. They also reportedly fought with court employees before some of the protesters' tents were set on fire by unidentified attackers.
The judicial sources added that prosecutors also arrested others accused of damaging public property and assaulting civil servants with rocks.
Based on their investigations, prosecutors allege a drunk man named Mohamed Fadl set the protesters' tents aflame while he was unconscious. He has also been arrested.
Ali Ibrahim, director the Court of Cassation president's office, filed a complaint accusing three dismissed judges of inciting protesters to damage and break into the High Court.
However, in a report they filed at Azbakeya Police Station, the judges in question claim court employees burnt the tents according to an alleged agreement with Court of Cassation President Hossam al-Gheriany. The report has been referred to the prosecution.
Faced with the criminal charges from the prosecution, the judges refused to respond, saying they would only give statements to the military prosecution because they have personal disputes with the public prosecutor and Gheriany.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
