A group of policemen closed the doors of the Kafr Al-Sheikh Security Directorate and staged a protest outside it on Saturday calling for better working conditions.
Protesting policemen prevented access to the directorate, calling for the resignation of Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim should he fail to meet their demands, reported state-run Al-Ahram.
The protest was organised by a group of policemen called the General Federation of Policemen and Personnel in Kafr Al-Sheikh Governorate, reported Al-Ahram. Apart from calling for better wages, the policemen protested against security personnel who have “special” posts that allow them access to certain perks.
Policemen staged protests in other governorates, such as Gharbeya and Qaliubiya, also calling for better wages, reported Aswat Masriya. In the Qaliubiya Security Directorate, policemen held a strike demanding equality with officers and “putting an end to corruption” within the institution.
A nationwide police sit-in started in February 2013 as warrant officers in several governorates demonstrated in front of security directorates against a new protest law. The law, drafted by the now dissolved Shura Council, bans military and police personnel from engaging in any acts of protest, which includes strikes and sit-ins. The law never came into effect.
Central Security Forces (CSF) also began a strike in March 2013 with a number of police officers, demanding the resignation of Ibrahim, better armament and independence from Egyptian political affairs.