Sexual Violence in Egypt Takes on Political Dimension
Priscille Lafitte reports at France24:
Protesters took to the streets of Cairo and in capitals around the world on Tuesday demanding an end to endemic sexual aggression in Egypt that is taking on an increasingly political dimension.
The rally was the latest in a series of actions to protest against a "culture of impunity" and follows harrowing reports of multiple sexual attacks, including one particularly savage rape, in and around Tahrir Square on the January 25 second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.
The demonstrators were spurred on by comments on Monday by Egyptian lawmakers, which suggested that women were to blame for sexual attacks against them simply for being on the streets at night.
"'Women know they are among thugs' when demonstrating in Tahrir Square, said Adel Afify, a member of the ultra-conservative Asala Party. 'By getting herself involved in such circumstances, the woman bears 100 per cent responsibility'," he said, reports France24.
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