University guards’ arrest powers spark fears

A decision to grant campus security guards the right to arrest students was issued last Wednesday, sparking fears of a return to the time when politically active students were targeted, reports Ahram Online.

The issue has ignited debate within the university community. The new decision gives campus security guards the right to arrest any student who commits actions that are punishable by law, as well as allowing guards to file complaints against arrested students. Students would then be sent to state prosecutors for investigation.

In October 2010, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court upheld a verdict to remove police from campuses, after the police had become notorious for heavy-handed tactics against students and targeting politically active members of the student body. Administrative security guards were hired instead.
Full report on the Ahram Online site