Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Women subjected to virginity tests by Egyptian Army

Security forces under the Mubarak regime were famous for all the wrong reasons - brutality, extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and other forms of cruel and inhuman practices - and the fall of the regime was seen by many as a new dawn for Egypt. This vision of a new Egypt where rights are respected has been tainted in many ways, including fresh allegations that the Egyptian army subjected women to forced "virginity tests" and other forms of torture, a few weeks after a repressive regime was toppled.

According to Amnesty International, 18 women were arrested in Tahrir Square on 9 March when the army was ordered to clear the square of protesters after Hosni Mubarak was kicked out of office. The women were allegedly strip searched, photographed naked by male soldiers, beaten, subjected to electric shocks and virginity tests. Out of the 18 women arrested, only 1 was released hours later while the other 17 were transferred to a military prison.

Earlier today, Amnesty International called on the Egyptian authorities to investigate these serious allegations and urged members of the medical profession to refrain from conducting virginity tests because the purpose of the "test" is to "degrade" women.

It is my opinion that the so-called "virginity test" strips victims of dignity and privacy. The bizarre practice is also discriminatory since only women have to face the ordeal.

The Egyptian army is a trusted and respected institution in Egypt, but such a degrading practice sanctioned by military personnel must be fearlessly condemned.

You're encouraged to sign a petition by Amnesty International USA calling for an investigation and an end to forced virginity testing in Egypt.

2 comments:

  1. It's amazing that this so called "test" even exists. I'm curious as to what the results would be if the soldiers were tested regarding their own virginity, or better yet "purity" (on literal and metaphoric levels). Thanks for posting the petition!

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  2. What is this world becoming? This is violation of human rights..na which one be virginity tests? Thanks for sharing the petition.
    I love your blog. I read the blogging tips article on Dunia!

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