Egypt’s military targets all dissenters, Islamic and secular

Crescent International

Rabi' al-Awwal 20, 1436 2015-01-11

Daily News Analysis

by Crescent International

The secularists in Egypt are gradually waking up to the reality of the military's brutal nature. It brooks no opposition. The secularists thought that by joining the campaign against the elected government of President Mohamed Mursi, they would have a free hand to continue their activities. They have had a rude shock: many of them have been jailed and their best known figure, Wael Ghoneim has fled into exile.

Cairo, Crescent-online
Saturday January 11, 2014, 05:21 EST

Egypt’s youthful secularists thought that by applauding the military crackdown on the Ikhwan al-Muslimoon (Muslim Brotherhood), they would be free to conduct their activities.

The military brooks no opposition. If it has gone after the Brotherhood with a sledgehammer, it has been no less harsh on the young activists several of whom are now languishing in prison. They thought their secular credentials would save them from the military’s wrath and the West would come to their rescue if they are targeted.

On Thursday (January 09), eighty-seven supporters of the Brotherhood were sentenced to three years in jail under a new draconian law that prohibits protests against the regime without an official permit. The military-backed regime claims it is working toward ushering in “democracy”. This is a fine example of democracy in action.

Three high-profile secular activists that were in the forefront of the movement against the Hosni Mubarak regime and then allowed themselves to be used by the military and the Egyptian establishment to lead protests against the elected government of President Mohamed Mursi, have also been jailed.

Ahmed Maher, Alaa Abd el-Fatah and Ahmed Douma, all high-profile secular social media activists are in jail while their best known figure—Wael Ghoneim—has fled to the United Arab Emirates. Ghoneim was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential figures of 2011.

He had established a popular Facebook group that exposed Egyptian police brutality during the 11-day uprising against the Mubarak dictatorship.

Even as the crackdown on all forms of protests continues, the trial of ousted President Mohamed Mursi on January 8 was delayed because he could not be produced in court. According to official sources, the helicopter that was to fly him from Alexandria where he has been imprisoned could not take off because of bad weather.

His new trial date has been set for February 1. Even while the court had to be adjourned in the absence of Mursi, there was a huge protest by his supporters outside the Cairo courthouse. In its customary brutality, the police attacked the protesters injuring dozens of others.

In protests after Jumu'ah prayers yesterday (January 10), at least four Mursi supporters were shot and killed by the police and scores injured. The police also made largescale arrests of peaceful protesters.

The military is using the media, especially television to tarnish the Muslim Brotherhood as well as anyone that dares challenge its brutal tactics. A number of journalists have sold themselves to the regime and are willing to do its bidding.

Despite extremely poor record in its own profession, the military insists on presenting itself as the “defender” of Egypt and its head, the arch-zionist General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as a modern-day Gamal Abdel Nasser. There is no shortage of drumbeaters in the media playing up this charade.

Sisi, of course is no Nasser even if the former military strongman was not much better either; at least he was not a traitor to Egypt’s cause vis-à-vis the zionists. Sisi is a Zionist and destroying the country.

As the turmoil continues, the Egyptian economy deteriorates increasing the misery of ordinary people that are already suffering great hardships.

The thugs in uniform do not care for the people as long as their own privileges are secured.

END