The Cairo Criminal Court on Wednesday adjourned to 10 September the trial of Lieutenant Mahmoud Sobhy al-Shennawy, who is alleged to have shot protesters in the eyes during last November’s Mohamed Mahmoud Street clashes.
When the court reconvenes it will hear from witnesses who have been called but have not yet appeared in court. Assem Qandil, a lawyer for one of the injured victims, told the court that on witness had received threats warning him against testifying against Shennawy.
The court rejected a defense request that Shennawy be released until the trial is concluded.
Shennawy is charged with attempted murder of peaceful demonstrators during clashes that erupted last November between protesters demanding an end to military rule and security forces on downtown Cairo’s Mohamed Mahmoud Street, which leads to the Interior Ministry. Days of fighting left 45 people dead and hundreds injured.
After the clashes, activists published pictures allegedly showing Shennawy aiming his rifle at protesters’ eyes as his colleagues cheered him on. The activists demanded his arrest.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
