posted
CAIRO — Security forces have received orders from higher Egyptian authorities to ban all forms of demonstrations and protests staged by pro-reform and change elements.
A well-placed Egyptian security source stated that neither Kefaya (Enough) nor any other opposition groups would be allowed to take to the streets without obtaining a permission from the authorities concerned beforehand.
The official added that the higher orders gave a free hand to commanders of riot police to take whatever actions they deem suitable to curb demonstrators. “Kefaya or its sisters will not be given any margin of freedom and that what happened in the past 20 months — since the Egyptian movement for change was set up — in regard to freedom of movement among the masses was an era that was no more,” he added, noting that the orders called for freezing the Egyptian street to zero.
He affirmed that preventing demonstrators from going down the street in the last five days were an indication to the top sources that gave the orders. The pro-reform forces found themselves in a real mess after they failed to stage any protests over the recent weeks. Around 15 political parties and groups called for a demonstration last Monday to be launched from Omar Afendi shops. The demonstrators planned to walk to the downtown of Cairo, but the riot police rounded them, forcing them into premises of the Nasserites’ Party where they were not be allowed out till late night.
George Ishag, Kefaya Coordinator, said the tough line followed by the commanders and personnel of security organs over the last two weeks exposed the false allegations by governemt that the emergency law was enforced on issues related to terrorism and narcotics only. “Everybody knows who is behind the higher orders to all and no one could dare to object,” he said. “Tightening the noose on the opposition movements and groups — which now represent the majority of Egyptians — will not serve the regime. Rather, it will pile more pressure which will culminate into an unpredictable dangerous explosion,” he maintained.
Mohammed Abdul Qodous, member of the Egyptian Journalists’ Association, believed the regime wanted to deliver a message to the opposition that it is ready to shed more blood in the street in the sake of its survival. He expected the Egyptian street to witness more chaos in the next weeks fuelled by the increasing numbers of workers sacked from sold off factories. “Six months now from his re-election and President (Mubarak) has not put in place any of his promises to voters,” he remarked. Dr Mohammed Abu Al Ghar, Chairman of 9 March Movement for university professors, lashed out at security organs for poking their nose in all state utilities. Recent developments, he explained, had betrayed the government intention to enter into a stand-off with judges, Pressmen, workers, university professors and the opposition elite. He expected the defeat of the regime and that the upcoming months will be very critical and decisive for Egyptians.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic