Egypt: UN Human Rights Chief Calls For Probe Into Tahrir Square Violence (Pictures)

PICTURES: UN Chief Calls For Investigation Into Egypt's 'Excessive Use Of Force'

The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the killing of protesters in Egypt as violence in the capital continues to rage.

Navi Pillay, the UN human rights chief, condemned what she described as a "clearly excessive use of force" by security forces acting for the military regime and highlighted "the apparent improper use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition."

"Some of the images coming out of Tahrir, including the brutal beating of already subdued protesters, are deeply shocking," she said in a statement, adding that those found responsible for the abuses should be held to account.

According to AFP, three more protesters were killed in clashes on Wednesday as demonstrations urging an end to military rule continued.

On Tuesday, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the acting leader of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) made a rare television address, promising presidential elections by July.

However, protesters unconvinced by assurances from the military remain in central Cairo, fighting pitched battles with Egypt's police.

On Tuesday, an Amnesty International report said the military had failed "to live up their promises to Egyptians to improve human rights".

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