Egyptian activists call for ‘virginity tests’ probe

ACTIVISTS and bloggers are pressing Egypt’s military rulers to investigate accusations of serious abuses against protesters, including claims that soldiers subjected female detainees to so-called “virginity tests”.

Bloggers say they will hold a day of online protest today to voice their outrage, adding to criticism of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took control of the country in February.

The virginity test allegations surfaced after a March 9 rally in Cairo’s Tahrir Square that turned violent when men in plainclothes attacked protesters and the army intervened forcefully to clear the square.

One woman who was arrested spoke out about her treatment, and Amnesty International further documented the abuse allegations in a report that found 18 female detainees were threatened with prostitution charges and forced to undergo virginity tests. They were also beaten up and given electric shocks, the report said.