A Blog by the Editor of The Middle East Journal

Putting Middle Eastern Events in Cultural and Historical Context

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Police Charged in Khaled Sa‘id Killing

In what may be encouraging news, the two policemen who allegedly beat Khaled Sa‘id to death in Alexandria have been charged, despite multiple claims by the government that he died of a drug overdose. (Earlier reports here and here.) If this actually leads to prosecution and punishment — unfortunately, a very big if — then it will be a case of the regime being pressured by public (and international) protest and pressure, and something of a victory for Internet activism.

On the other hand, the charges are illegal arrest, torture, and brutality. Not, umm, cold-blooded murder.

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