Nov 22 2011
Egypt: “Getting rid of Mubarak was just the warm-up. This is the real showdown.”
Nearly two dozen Egyptian protesters were killed by security forces from Saturday through Monday, and an estimated 1500 were wounded during massive protests against the ruling military council. Security forces used rubber bullets, birdshot, and live ammunition against an ever-increasing crowd of demonstrators that swelled to at least 10,000 in Cairo by Monday. Egypt’s interim governing cabinet offered its resignation yesterday in response to events. It is under consideration by the military council. Criticism of the military council has been building since it aided in ousting dictator Hosni Mubarak on February 12th. The body is due to be in power until a constitution and president are in place, estimated to take place in 2013 or later. The New York Times quotes a Council spokesman calling victims of this police crackdown “thugs,” and going on to say, “There is an invisible hand in [Tahrir] Square causing a rift between the army and the people.” Civilians joining in the protests saw events differently, with one telling the Times, “Getting rid of Mubarak was just the warm-up. This is the real showdown.” The violent fallout comes a week before Parliamentary elections, when the Muslim Brotherhood is expected to gain a significant number of seats. It’s reaction to the weekend’s violence in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and other cities has been measured. Al Jazeera reports the Brotherhood issued a statement condemning the violence but also said the protesters did not have the right to “hinder daily life and destroy property.” The party also did not call for the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to step-down, a demand protesters are rallying around. The April 6th youth movement accused the military council of “wearing Mubarak’s mask” and called for ongoing action at Tahrir Square. Individuals and parties from all corners of Egyptian society have demanded that elections proceed as scheduled, without delay by the military council.
GUEST: Sherif Gaber, activist with the group No Military Trials for Civilians, based in Cairo
Sherif Gaber recommends www.mosireen.org for news from Egypt.
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