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.