Violence Erupts Again!
A few days ago, Egypt’s capital of Cairo was again shaken by four deadly bombings, killing six people.
The bombs exploded around the city. One car bomb exploded at dawn outside a security headquarters.
The explosions occurred just hours after warnings by a young Islamist militant group that has claimed responsibility for many recent attacks.
Security forces around the capital had been on high alert even before the bombings in anticipation of the country’s third anniversary since the revolution. The police cut off train access from southern Egypt where support for the Islamists is strong.
The country’s security forces have set up heavily armed checkpoints around the city following the deadly bombings.
US Condemns The Bombing Attacks
In a press statement in Washington DC, Deputy Department Spokesperson Marie Harf said the US strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that took place in Egypt.
Ms. Harf highlighted the need for prompt investigation and said the perpetrators should be brought to justice.
“We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and we hope for the quick and full recovery of the survivors.” – Ms. Harf
US Calls For Restraint
Ms. Harf urged all Egyptians to exercise calm and restraint ahead of the third anniversary of Egypt’s revolution.
She said the Egyptian Government and people are navigating their political transition in a challenging security environment and violence aimed at undermining this transition has no place in Egypt.
“We continue to support the people of Egypt and urge them to move forward peacefully with the transition, respecting the rights of all Egyptians.” – Ms. Harf
Police Beat Protesters
In December 2013, a crowd of around one thousand protestors staged a peaceful protest outside the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the High Court (Dar al-Qada al-Ali) in Cairo.
Witnesses report Egypt’s security forces closed the area and indiscriminately beat men and women, including the elderly.
The rage of protests escalated with the growing dissatisfaction against government policies including the rising cost of living, low wages and lack of labour rights.
Since the state of emergency was imposed in 1981, the Egyptian authorities have used emergency law provisions to ban demonstrations and curb freedom of expression.
Looking Back
In May 2012, with the hope of regaining the country’s stability after the revolution, Egyptians headed to the polls to cast their ballots in the country’s first free vote for a leader in 5,000 years of history.
Around 50 million eligible Egyptian voters were called upon to choose 13 candidates.
Earlier in 2012, President Obama proposed a $1 billion cancellation of Egyptian debt to support Egypt’s economic recovery.
Egypt made some progress on human rights since the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak.
Long-standing regimes were toppled by a wave of pro-democracy protests that have engulfed much of North Africa and the Middle East in 2011, particularly in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.
