Egyptian police using US made tear gas against protesters
By ANISaturday, January 29, 2011
CAIRO - Egyptian riot police are firing made in USA tear gas canisters against street demonstrators.
Protesters provided ABC News with pictures of the canisters that were recovered from Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo on Tuesday.
According to the canister labels, Combined Systems International of Jamestown, Pennsylvania produces the tear gas.
The company’s web site says it sells “non-lethal weapons” to foreign governments, without specifying Egypt.
A company spokesperson did not return calls by ABC News seeking comment.
The United States provides 1.3 billion dollars a year in military financing for Egypt.
According to the State Department’s 2010 budget request, the aid is used to help strengthen and modernize the Egyptian army.
Egyptians who are part of the street demonstrations told ABC News that the evidence of the U.S.-made tear gas sends a powerful signal. (ANI)
