Egypt court bans Muslim Brotherhood
Submitted by Jurist on Tue, 09/24/2013 - 00:23
An Egyptian court on Sept. 23 banned the Muslim Brotherhood and ordered its assets confiscated as part of the military government's crackdown on the group. The Cairo administrative court declared that its ruling would apply to all organizations affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, including its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party. Although the Muslim Brotherhood was banned for most of its 85-year existence, it attained power when Islamist Mohamed Morsi became president in 2012. It is unclear if the Muslim Brotherhood will appeal the ruling.
From Jurist, Sept. 23. Used with permission.
Egypt authorities close 55,000 moques?
Egypt, the coup authorities have banned 55,000 Imams from delivering Friday sermons. Interim Minister of Religious Affairs Mohamed Mokhtar Jomaa said that the imams do not have licences to deliver the sermons and that they are regarded as "terrorists who pose a threat to Egyptian security". The move will, in effect, close 55,000 mosques as they have no alternative Imams available. (MEM, Sept. 11)
Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood leader
Egyptian police on Oct. 30 arrested a senior leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, according to a source from Egypt's Interior Ministry. Essam el-Erian had been on the run since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi. El-Erian, along with twelve other Muslim Brotherhood leaders, face charges of inciting violence relating to the deaths of about a dozen people last December during a protest against Morsi. The leaders are scheduled to be tried on November 4.
From Jurist, Oct. 30. Used with permission.
Egypt: police put down student protests
Human Rights Watch (HRW) meanwhile condemned a draft Egyptian protest law, saying it falls short of the obligation to respect freedom of assembly. HRW expressed concern over the scope of the law's application, vague language, and its broad restrictions and discretionary powers. Specifically, the law would apply to any "public meeting" of more than 10 people, while also giving police discretion to preemptively ban any gathering, based on "serious information," in which conduct "impedes the interests of citizens" or "influences the course of justice." The new law would also require organizers to notify the local police station in writing seven days ahead of the planned public gathering. The Egyptian cabinet approved the draft in early October, sending it to interim President Adly Mansour. Under the July 8 Constitutional Declaration, the interim president is given full legislative powers. (Jurist, Oct. 30)
Egypt court adjourns Morsi trial until January
The trial of Egypt's deposed president Mohamed Morsi for inciting the murder of several protesters began on Nov. 4 but was adjourned until January. According to Egyptian news sources, Morsi rejected the court's authority by refusing to dress in prison clothing and declaring the trial illegitimate, stating that he was still the lawful president of Egypt. This was Morsi's first appearance since he was deposed in July. Morsi apppeared with 14 co-defendants before the court. The case has been adjourned until January 8.
From Jurist, Nov. 4. Used with permission.
Morsi referred to third trial
Egyptian prosecutors on Dec. 21 referred former President Mohamed Morsi to trial for charges of organizing a 2011 prison break, spreading chaos and abducting policemen in the country. The trial for these charges will be the third trial that has been referred by prosecutors since Morsi was ousted in July.
From Jurist, Dec. 21. Used with permission.