Tharwat Hamad, who was ordered by the justice minister to investigate the violence that broke out last October in front of the state television building, known as Maspero, has referred 31 soldiers to forensics in order to determine whether they were injured with permanent disabilities.
Hamad also heard the testimony of Reverend Philemon Khafagy of the Beheira Cathedral, who said he protected a soldier from demonstrators attempting to assault him.
On 9 October 2011, violence erupted between armed forces and demonstrators during a peaceful Coptic-led march that was denouncing mounting assaults on churches. The incident left 27 protesters dead, mostly Copts, and a soldier, while army officials denied responsibility for the deaths.
On 9 February, 28 suspects were placed on travel ban lists pending investigation into the events. Those included two priests and a Coptic lawyer who were accused of planned incitement and involvement in the Maspero events.
Meanwhile, Reverend Matthias Nasr of the Ezbet al-Nakhl Virgin Mary Church requested that the Supreme Constitutional Court halt the investigation and the military trial of defendants in the case until it determines which court has jurisdiction over the issue.
