UN warns Egypt of rights violations

The United Nations top human rights official has called on Egypt to end the emergency laws imposed by the Cairo government over the past three decades.

Navi Pillay says much of the current frustration and anger in Egypt has been caused by such laws. She urged the Egyptian government to stop blocking Internet access and mobile services.

Pillay says Cairo should take measures to guarantee the public rights of peaceful assembly and expression.

“I call on the government to take concrete measures to guarantee the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including by restoring free use of mobile phones and social networks,” Pillay said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the UN chief said world leaders should view the protests in Egypt as a chance to address what he called the “legitimate concerns” of their people.

Ban Ki-moon urged authorities to refrain from violence against demonstrators.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians have defied a government ban and taken to the streets across the country to protest against the government of President Hosni Mubarak.

Latest reports say at least one person has been killed and dozens wounded in the massive protests. A curfew has been imposed in major cities and the military has taken over from security forces.

Some security personnel have left their posts and joined the anti-government protesters.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei has been placed under house arrest after joining the massive anti-government protests in Cairo.

Police initially cordoned off the area around the mosque where he was attending the Friday prayers. The mosque was under siege for several hours before ElBaradei was put under house arrest.

Ahead of the Friday prayers, ElBaradei called on the government to listen to the voice of the people.

ElBaradei, who returned from Vienna on Thursday to take part in the protests against Mubarak’s 30-year rule, said Egypt needs change and called on Mubarak to step aside.

ElBaradei has also announced readiness to head a transitional government if Mubarak steps down and he is asked to do so.