Thousands expected to defy protest ban

EGYPT:THOUSANDS OF protesters are expected in Cairo's Tahrir Square today to protest against a decree banning protests, demonstrations and strikes that disrupt public institutions and companies and harm the economy.

The new law, adopted by the government still has to be approved by the supreme council of the armed forces. It imposes a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of €60,000 for those who incite mass action and would be in force for the duration of emergency measures that were put in place in 1981 after the assassination of president Anwar Sadat.

Since former president Hosni Mubarak stood down on February 11th, the people power movement that ousted him has returned to Tahrir (Liberation) Square every Friday to exert pressure for change on the government and the supreme council. The movement continues to struggle against the military, which was the mainstay of the ousted regime, and the politico-business establishment who are accused of mounting a counter-revolution to block progress to multiparty democracy.

Unions have also expressed shock over the law. Over the past six weeks many have staged sit-ins and strikes for improved conditions and higher pay. There is concern that criminalising strikes and demonstrations could prompt fresh protests.

Activists from the youth coalition who led the 18-day uprising have responded angrily on Facebook and Twitter, arguing that the generals, who have refused to lift the state of emergency, and the government, are trying to maintain the repression that kept the Mubarak regime in power.

Analysts contend that the generals waited until their agenda was secured by the adoption of constitutional amendments which set the stage for early parliamentary and presidential elections.

The youth coalition opposed the amendments, arguing that while they provide for credible polls, they do not curb the powers of the president. The Muslim Brotherhood, other fundamentalist groups, and the still influential networks of the former ruling National Democratic Party triumphed in the referendum by securing a 77 per cent Yes vote. However, they could rue the day they co-operated with the military. Another decree has been drafted that would maintain the ban on parties with roots in religion.