Egyptians at a rally in Auckland have called on John Key to condemn the violence in their country.
Nearly 200 people gathered in Aotea Square on Sunday afternoon to protest against the crackdown by the military government.
NZ-based Egyptians call on John Key to condemn the violence in their country Photo: RNZ
In a series of chants they called for an end to the brutality of the military regime, for the rights of those caught up in the struggles and for freedom and justice.
Almost 800 people have died across Egypt in four days of carnage which began which security forces broke up protest camps in Cairo.
The organisers of the Auckland rally say they have no political leanings but abhor what is happening in their country.
Some of those at the rally said they know people who were hurt or missing in the bloodshed, others fear for their family members in Egypt.
Protest organiser Mohamed Hassan says the Egyptian community in New Zealand is terrified about the safety of family and friends.
He has cousins taking part in the protests, and says it is a scary time for Egyptians as the violence is getting worse and nobody is being held accountable.
Mr Hassan says John Key does not have to take sides but should simply speak out against the violence. Foreign Minister Murray McCully has already condemned the violence, saying the use of military force against civilians is completely unacceptable.
