Can Egyptians Forgive and Forget?

We Discuss Whether The Police Force Can Wipe Out Its Bloody History With The People Of Egypt.

Last Modified: 16 Feb 2011 13:30 GMT
Courtesy Of "Al Jazeera"

The tense relationship between Egyptians and the police corps took a new turn after deadly clashes between riot police and protesters earlier this month left more than 300 people dead.

In addition to charges of brutality, security forces were accused of deserting the streets of Cairo leaving residents of the city vulnerable to attacks by thugs and looters.

But on Monday, hundreds of police officers, waving Egyptian flags, marched in Cairo and Alexandria to show what they described as solidarity with protesters who toppled President Hosni Mubarak.

Some scuffles broke out between the police protesters and civilians who accused them of trying to jump onto the bandwagon in an attempt to steal their revolution.

Low to mid-ranking police officers say they were unfairly portrayed as traitors and enemies of the people, adding that they share the same troubles as other Egyptians: low wages and lack of freedom.

With hundreds dead and thousands injured, can the Egyptian police force wipe out its bloody history with the people of Egypt?

Joining us to discuss theses issues are: Dr Ahmed Okasha, a professor of psychiatry at Ein Shams University, and the former president of the World Psychiatric Association; Wael Omar, an activisit and documentary filmmaker who was injured by rubber bullets during the protests; and Hisham Safie Eldin, a former police officer.