All Egyptian nationals, including police officers are subject to Egyptian law, stated Interior Minister Magdy Abdel Ghaffar on Tuesday evening.

The minister addressed the media in a live interview broadcast on state-run television after a low-ranking police officer killed a tea vendor and injured two others after a dispute over the price of a cup of tea occurred Tuesday morning. Abdel Ghaffar assured that any officer or ministry official suspected of a violation will be immediately referred to trial.  Interior

“The Interior Ministry is taking steps to settle rows and punish disorderly conduct. Police officers and officials are bound by the law, just like any other citizen. Officers who make mistakes should not jeopardise other officers’ careers and sacrifices,” Abdel Ghaffar stated.

The ministry has drafted legislation to be sent to the parliament to impose new regulations on the relation between citizens and police officers, the minister of interior said.

Abdel Ghaffar outlined the ministry’s plan to reform police practices, emphasising “neutrality” in ensuring security. The ministry plans to hold periodic awareness conferences with officers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry reported the event on Tuesday. “The shooting occurred on Tuesday morning. Police officer El-Sayed Zeinhom was stationed in front of Gate 6 of Rehab City in New Cairo. A dispute erupted between him and a tea vendor over the price of a drink. The dispute escalated and the low-ranking police officer opened fire, which resulted in him killing the vendor and injuring two bystanders.”