Egypt: Election violence must be investigated says Amnesty

Amnesty International has called on the Egyptian authorities to fully investigate the deaths, violence and other human rights abuses that marred Sunday's parliamentary elections. At least eight people are reported to have died and scores more wounded across the country as Egyptians went to the polls to elect members to the lower house of parliament, the People's Assembly. Two people are reported to have been killed by security forces in Assyout and Wadi Natroun, in circumstances which remain unclear but which may have involved the use of live fire when dispersing crowds. The other deaths are believed to have been the result of clashes between rival political parties. Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Director Malcolm Smart said: "The Egyptian authorities must now open independent investigations into the deaths and allegations of violence that have, once again, cast a bloody shadow over election day. "Egyptian voters should have been able to rely on the security forces to ensure their safety not pose a threat to it. "The Egyptian authorities must not ignore the damning footage of violence and intimidation that is emerging.