Highlights of Afroto’s death case as trial begins

CAIRO - 15 February 2018: Two policemen are accused of beating Mohamed Abdel Hakim Mahmoud, aka Afroto, to death. Afroto was held in custody at Cairo's Mokattam Police Station last month. The first court session considering the case is set to start on Thursday.

The death of Afroto, 22, who was being held over accusations of drug dealing, has stirred public anger and protests slamming police violence. The police denied accusations of torturing Afroto.

Cairo’s prosecution office ordered the detention of the policemen, an assistant investigator and a non-commissioned officer, pending investigations into the death of the young man.

Egypt Today recalls the history of the case before it is considered by the Cairo Appeal Court.

Egypt Today summarizes the history of Afroto’s case in the below Q & A

When and where did the incident take place?

Afroto’s murder took place on January 6, 2018, inside the Mokattam Police Station, south of Cairo.

Why was Afroto being held at the police station?

Detective officers said he was arrested over accusations of drug dealing.

What did the forensic report say about Afroto’s death

The forensic report revealed that the cause of death was an internal bleeding caused by a broken rib, and a laceration in the left lung due to a severe hit on a solid object. The report, thus, contradicts with police allegations that Afroto died due to drugs over dose.

What was the prosecution’s decision?

The prosecution office had ordered earlier on January 8 the detention of the two police officers, pending investigation into the death of Afroto, and they were sent to the Criminal Court. Meanwhile, Afroto’s family and friends accuse the police of torturing him to death.

What are the defendants accused of?

According to the prosecution’s decision, policeman “Mohamed A.” is accused of pushing down Afroto, while the other defendant, police officer “Mohamed S.” is accused of kicking him in the chest causing him the injuries cited in the forensic report. In its statement, the prosecution accused both policemen of beating the victim to death without the intention to kill him.