On Thursday, the Egyptian Public Prosecutor ordered an investigation into the publication of videos related to the case known in the media as the "Gathering Butcher." The statement read: "In light of what the Public Prosecution has monitored through social media regarding the spread of video clips related to the incident known in the media as the 'Gathering Butcher' case, the Public Prosecutor has ordered urgent investigations into the release of these clips, which may constitute crimes punishable under Article 75 of the Criminal Procedure Law and Articles 187 and 310 of the Penal Code. The statement also called for questioning those in charge of managing the sites that broadcasted these clips to ascertain how they obtained them. The Public Prosecution urges everyone to completely refrain from this behavior, which may constitute the crimes of disclosing investigation secrets and influencing the judges responsible for ruling on the case, as well as influencing public opinion in favor of one party to the case or against it. It asserts that it will resolutely confront these crimes in order to pursue, detain, and bring the perpetrators to expedited criminal trial."
The "Gathering Butcher" case is one of the most heinous crimes in Egypt and has occupied public attention since it was announced in late May when the first victim of the accused, Karim Selim, was discovered. His body was found in the desert between Cairo and Ismailia. Selim, who committed his crimes in the "Fifth Settlement" neighborhood of Cairo, is charged with the premeditated murder of three girls, torturing them, and forcing them to consume methamphetamine before disposing of their bodies in desert areas between Cairo, Ismailia, and Port Said.
