Egyptians call for prisoners' release

Feb 16, 2011 Press TV

Egypt army's special forces stand guard at key government building in Cairo on February 16, 2011.

Family members of Egypt's political prisoners have gathered in front of the General Prosecutor's office in Cairo, demanding the release of all political detainees.

Some family members of the prisoners do not even know where their loved ones are, a Press TV correspondent reported.

Many of the prisoners have been held captive for decades and deprived of the basic commodities.

A group of Egypt's youths have announced that they have established a board of trustees to represent them in the political arena.

Reports say at least 500 people were arrested in the recent popular protests that toppled the ruling regime.

But an estimated 17,000 political prisoners were already locked up in Egyptian prisons, which are notorious for the use of torture.

Egypt protests toll at 365

Meanwhile, Egypt's health ministry said on Wednesday around 365 people were killed during weeks long protest rallies across Egypt that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

"The total number of deaths in the events witnessed by Egypt is around 365 ... and 5,500 were treated for injuries," Health Minister Sameh Farid said in statement.

Activists have demanded the release of political prisoners, the lifting of a 30-year-old state of emergency and the disbandment of military court. They say demonstrations will continue until the army accepts the reforms.

This is while the reopening of schools and universities has been delayed for another week.