Earlier this month, Pillay called on Egyptian authorities to immediately release lawyers, journalists and human rights activists [official statement; JURIST report] who have been arrested and for the government to investigate whether the violence against protesters [JURIST report] has been planned. Pillay emphasized the importance of protecting human rights during a time of political change in the region. In January, shortly after the protests in Egypt began, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [official website] and Pillay urged the Egyptian government to exercise restraint and respect the rights of protesters [JURIST report]. Pillay acknowledged [press release] reports of tactics including rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, water cannons and batons, and called on the government to investigate the reports of excessive force including civilian deaths.