The prosecution has ordered the detention of two policemen for 15 days, pending investigations into an alleged rape case.

The incident allegedly took place over a week ago in Shubra Al-Kheima, according to a representative from Ministry of Interior’s press office. Shubra Al- Kheima is a working-class neighbourhood in the Qaliubiya governorate. Located just north of Cairo, it is considered part of the Greater Cairo urban area.

Abeer Abo Al-Ela from the media office of the National Council for Women (NCW) said the sexual assault is a result of the “absence of ethics”.

Human rights lawyer Mohamed Zare’ said when policemen or security officers commit the act, it is a “disaster” as they are responsible for maintaining security. He added that as such, it should be dealt with as a “doubled crime”.

Zare’ also referred to the case of a mentally disabled girl who was allegedly raped by a policeman in August, noting that investigations are still ongoing. In that case, the policeman was referred to state prosecution, though the forensic authority found that there was no evidence that the girl was subjected to sexual assault.