Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt’s security forces have launched a strike as part of
their demand for the resignation of the interior minister.

Security sources said thousands of officers of the Central Security
Forces have accused Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim of failing to protect
their interests. They said Ibrahim was using security forces to protect
the ruling Muslim Brotherhood while failing to provide weapons for
self-defense.

“Ibrahim represents Brotherhood interests, and this has made us hated in the eyes of many if not most Egyptians,” a security source said.

On Feb. 13, anti-riot police were said to have refused orders to deploy
around Cairo amid nationwide unrest. At the same time, security officers held protests against efforts by President Mohammed Morsi to install Brotherhood members in key security positions.

“The people demand the reform of the Interior Ministry,” officers
chanted in a demonstration in Alexandria on Feb. 12.

The Central Security Forces has comprised the leading unit in quelling
protests against the Morsi regime. At least 59 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since Jan. 25, which prompted martial law in several cities.

Already, police units have refused to confront the demonstrators, the
sources said. On Feb. 13, the Interior Ministry confirmed the strike, and
said it was based on a misunderstanding that the government would ban
demonstrations and thus incite the opposition to further violence.

“Commanders should listen to the complaints of their troops,” the
ministry said.

The sources said strikes at CSF facilities began in late 2012 but were
defused by the Interior Ministry. The latest walkoff by police, however, has
now spread to 10 provinces.

The United States has quietly urged the Morsi regime to reduce its
crackdown on civilian protests. A senior U.S. official said police rather
than the American-financed military were believed to be responsible for most
of the violence.

“There are credible reports that police and security forces have used
excessive force,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner said. “We
have heard reports of cases throughout Egypt where the police have resorted
to torture and other forms of cruel treatment of those in their custody.
There are also reports of deaths in custody.”

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