A Fifth Settlement security guard was assaulted while reading the Quran, sparking outrage online. The businessman accused faces trial, while critics highlight growing risks for security staff and call for strict enforcement of laws to protect those on duty.
A routine evening turned violent for a security guard working at a Fifth Settlement compound in New Cairo when he was assaulted while reading the Quran before Maghrib prayer.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, has ignited anger over the behaviour of residents and the lack of protection for security personnel.
“I was just sitting in my office reading the Quran before Maghrib, and suddenly, he came in, started swearing at me, slapped me, and even knocked my desk over. He didn’t want me to stay in the compound at all.”
The guard, quoted according to Cairo 24.
The guard promptly filed a police report against the assailant, identified as a local businessman. Authorities confirmed that the video circulating online shows the man kicking the security guard while hurling insults. The guard, who did not retaliate, sustained scratches and bruises.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reactions
The video sparked widespread anger online. Incidents like this reveal a troubling pattern: some residents feel above the law, ignoring regulations meant to protect everyone in private compounds.
Authorities reviewed the footage and initiated legal proceedings. The businessman was initially detained for four days pending investigation and has now been referred for trial.
Defense Claims: Provocation or Excuse?
The businessman’s lawyer claimed differently, claiming his client did not intend to assault the guard.
“The security guard had repeatedly violated my client’s privacy and was previously asked to leave by the compound’s police,” the lawyer said.
He added that the guard allegedly provoked his client during a walk through the compound by saying, “I’m back again,” which supposedly triggered the reaction.
The defense also claimed the guard demanded 3 million Egyptian pounds to drop charges, though authorities are investigating these allegations.
Fifth Settlement police summoned multiple witnesses, including other security staff, to testify.
The businessman, a factory owner, faces charges of assault, verbal abuse, and obstructing a security officer performing his duties. The first court hearing is set for February 25.
Dr. Mohamed Hammouda, lawyer for the company managing the compound, has requested a drug test for the accused to ensure no external factors influenced his behavior.
Public Prosecution Urgent Criminal Trial
Egypt’s Public Prosecution has referred the accused in the Fifth Settlement compound assault case to an urgent criminal trial on February 25.
The investigation confirmed the security guard was assaulted while on duty and that his wireless communication device was damaged.
Medical reports documented several injuries, such as scratches and bruises on his right shoulder, injuries on the front of his head, and bruising under his right eye, while prosecutors charged the defendant with assault, intimidation, property damage, and verbal abuse.
