The ACIJLP condemns the burning of the headquarters of the Wafd Party And warns of increasing rates of viole nce as a result of unjustified lax in adopting transitional justice programs

Cairo 16^th December 2012  

 

The ACIJLP condemns the burning of the headquarters of the Wafd Party

And warns of increasing rates of violence as a result of unjustified lax in adopting transitional justice programs

The Arab Center for Independence of the Judiciary and Legal Professions (ACIJLP) expresses its full condemnation of all forms of violence witnessed by Egypt including violence against peaceful demonstrators, and the burning of the headquarters of political parties, such as of the Wafd Party which was recently, on the evening of Saturday, 15^th December, 2012.

The ACIJLP warns of increasing rates of violence in Egypt, as a result of slack in the prosecution and accountability of those involved in acts of violence and the impunity of perpetrators, as a result of a traditional means in the face of violence, and unjustified lax in adopting programs and mechanisms of transitional justice in phases taking place in countries after wars or revolutions.

The ACIJLP is concerned over the fact that the failure to adopt programs and mechanisms of transitional justice after the 25^th January Revolution will lead to many violence and obstruction of achieving the objectives of the January Revolution. Moreover, it will create unacceptable situations towards the trial of those involved in the commission of serious violations of human rights and prolong period of instability, whether at economic, social or political levels.

The ACIJLP points out that the president will bear responsibility of unjustified lax in adopting these programs.  This lax will have severe consequences in deteriorating human rights situation and the increasing levels of violence that threaten fundamental rights and freedoms. Therefore, taking quick and urgent steps to adopt mechanisms and programs of transitional justice will develop a roadmap for Egypt to get out of its successive crises witnessed after the January Revolution.

The ACIJLP holds the president and the security and the judicial authorities, full responsibility towards the immediate cessation of violence and the prosecution and accountability of those involved in such acts and bring them to a fair trial. The ACIJLP also it calls upon the president to take immediate and urgent steps in order to adopt programs and mechanisms of transitional justice represented in institutional reform mechanisms, mechanisms of truth and fairness, accountability mechanisms, reparation mechanisms and commemoration, if there is a genuine desire to safe access to democracy, justice and the rule of law.