The Presidency condemned the recent Ittihadiya incident against Egyptian citizen, stressing that it violates human dignity and human rights.

The presidency said in a statement: "While the presidency was following up Ittihadya incidents, it was pained by the shocking footage of policemen dragging a protester in a way inconsistent with dignity and human rights"

The presidency renewed its commitment to protecting the right of Egyptians to free expression and the freedom of assembly.

The violent incidents that occurred at Tahrir Square, Ittihadiya presidential palace and some areas in Ismailia and Fayoum on Friday that saw the use of Molotov cocktails and firearms are not an expression of political stances but criminal acts, said presidential assistant for foreign relations Essam el-Hadad.

The police have been handling the situation with self-restraint, he said, adding that the Interior Ministry is probing the incident, where a citizen was stripped and beaten up by police officers last night.

Egypt will continue its march of democracy with conducting the parliamentary elections planned after two months, he said.

The presidency urges all parties concerned to condemn violence and take action to curtail crime and chaos, he said.