Highlights from Egypt, Dec 6 2012 (Part 1)

[Catherina]

Previous thread is "Highlights from Egypt, Dec 5 2012 (Part 3)" here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021933535

When I went to bed last night, Morsi's Presidential Advisors were bailing on him in horror and resigning publicly live on the air or via twitter. 6 were dead, over 350 injured, many young activists detained and severely beaten up to include one poor girl whose face was black and blue. Now the number of injuries is "officially" lowballed at 700+. Morsi is circulating that this is a Zionist plot to overthrow him because he's keeping the revolution "safe" (how sick is that?) and trying to beat "confessions" out of protesters that they're being paid to protest him. And the entire presidential palace is surrounded by a ton of barbed wire, tanks and APCs. The Central Security Forces are providing protection/physical cover for the well-armed Morsi MB militia to shoot at the protesters. It needs to be said that the entire Muslim Brotherhood is not supporting this and that some of those who are attacking the protesters aren't MB either but that's his faction and that's where he's getting much support. Many of the younger MB are horrified.

No one saw or heard from Morsi for days except when he was sneaking out of the palace through the back door. Was he stuck in an elevator or what? Today he will make a speech. Yesterday he promised it would include "good news". No one is holding their breath.

There are marches taking place right now but I'm just now catching up with the events.

Sherine Tadros ?@SherineT

Al Jazeera : #Morsi has gone to the headquarters of the Republican Guard to deliver TV speech #Egypt

@SultanAlQassemi

Al Jazeera: Egypt official sources: 7 dead as 771 injured in clashes near the presidential palace in Cairo

[Catherina]

1. Another #Morsi advisor resigns: Coptic FJP leader and presidential advisor quits

Tori Aarseth ?@toriaar

Another #Morsi advisor resigns: Coptic FJP leader and presidential advisor quits political life http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59931.aspx

[Catherina]

2. March in Khalifa

Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

- Convinced some girls to come with us from the metro female car to the march from Kobry El Obba exit #Egypt @G_A_B_R

- At least 20 CSF trucks passed by in khalifa Maamoun heading towards #Ita7adiya

- Rabaa joined noor on khalifa maamoun #Ita7adiya

- Almost to #Ita7adiya the march is huge. Time to go Morsy

- The sq around #Ita7adiya is like war zone #afterstorm


Lilian Wagdy ليليان ?@lilianwagdy

Raba'a March in Khalifa al mamoun st @ 1851 cairo

[Catherina]

3. State TV presenters dressed in black / More clashes at an MB HQs / March has arrived at palace

Bassem Maznigar ?@BassemMaznigar

Morsy is currently recording his speech.


Rawya Rageh ?@RawyaRageh

State TV presenters dressed in black #Egypt

Yąsmine Khalifa ?@jazkhalifa

RT @randamali : Clashes broke out at MB head quarter in maadi. #fb


Lilian Wagdy ليليان ?@lilianwagdy

we arrived @ the presidential palace army vehicles sealing the way to the palace

[Catherina]

4. "The decline and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood"

Bassem Sabry باسم ?@Bassem_Sabry

I recommend reading the entire article, not just the end that I snipped.

The decline and fall of the Muslim Brotherhood http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59933.aspx by @HaniShukrallah

...

Thus, we witnessed the feverish attempt to “seize the day” by pushing through a ramshackle, profoundly authoritarian post-revolution constitution drawn up exclusively by the Muslim Brotherhood and its Salfist and Jihadist allies. It was thus that we saw the concerted attempt to trounce the judiciary, arm the president with nearly absolute powers, and put into shape the requisite means and conditions by which the revolutionary energy and political awareness of the people might be crushed.

...

On Wednesday, thousands of Muslim Brotherhood thugs, armed with rifles, shotguns, knives, chains, bludgeons and remarkably, tear-gas were bussed into the vicinity of the presidential palace to attack the few hundred peaceful protesters that had staged a symbolic sit-in before the palace following Tuesday march.

As the footage and testimonies of protesters, bystanders and journalists kept coming onto the airwaves and the social media, we seemed to have been hurled back in time and space, to the rise of Nazism in Germany, Fascism in Italy, Francism in Spain.

The mutation of the Muslim Brotherhood into its ugliest caricature: a gang of fascist thugs was complete.

No pasaran!

They shall not pass!

http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59933.aspx

[Zorra]

18. Great piece. And (yay!) it correctly names the fascism as fascism.

"As the footage and testimonies of protesters, bystanders and journalists kept coming onto the airwaves and the social media, we seemed to have been hurled back in time and space, to the rise of Nazism in Germany, Fascism in Italy, Francism in Spain.

The mutation of the Muslim Brotherhood into its ugliest caricature: a gang of fascist thugs was complete.

No pasaran!

They shall not pass!"

Ironically, I wrote this in a response post here on DU, regarding Arab Spring, less than a week ago ~

It's literally a God damned shame that the German people, that the people of the entire world, did not engage in a mass populist uprising against the fascists in the 1930's. Maybe things would have unfolded differently if they had.

Hopefully, the Egyptian democrats will succeed the next time they go after the fascists. Hopefully, all of us will succeed the next time we go after the fascists.

"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing." ~ Albert Einstein

Thank you so very much, Catherina, for bringing this to our attention, and taking so much time, and doing much better work, to keep us informed about this new stage of the revolution than the MSM is.

[Catherina]

22. Agreed. And I remember your comment

I was lurking, trying not to get sucked back in, but I cheered when you wrote that. It's so true.

For all those who don't understand how important this is... had we stopped the Bush regime when it started its criminal abuses of our constitution, we would NOT be where we are today. Great response. Thanks my friend. I'm trying and I too appreciate, greatly appreciate, the immense support I get from many people here. (where's the emoticon for solidarity?)

[Catherina]

5. Marches start pouring in /

Heba Fahmy ?@heba_afahmy

Marches start pouring into marghany street in-front of the presidential palace #Egypt pic.twitter.com/wrRAxeMu


Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

Barbed wire, tanks, and thousands of protesters against Morsi ask him to leave! #Ita7adiya

[Catherina]

6. As nation awaits Morsy address, army builds wall

Bassem Sabry باسم ?@Bassem_Sabry

RT @EgyIndependent: Update: As nation awaits Morsy address, army builds wall in Heliopolis http://ow.ly/fSxKD

As nation awaits Morsy address, army builds wall

...

Shortly after Morsy's forthcoming address was announced, it was reported that the Armed Forces had begun constructing a new cement wall in Heliopolis on Merghani Street, which leads to the presidential palace, to block protesters from entering.

...

The Tahrir protesters walked around the square Thursday chanting their familiar refrains. “Down with the supreme guide’s rule” and “Leave, leave,” they yelled, according to MENA.

They also closed the square to cars as demonstrators stationed themselves at the entrance and erected additional barricades to protect their protest.

Three groups are planning to march from the Matareya neighborhood, Raba’a al-Adaweya Mosque in Nasr City and Nour Mosque in Abbasseya at 4 pm toward the palace, MENA reported Popular Current spokesperson Hossam Moanes as saying. Moanes said the marches would be peaceful.

...

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/update-nation-awaits-morsy-address-army-builds-wall-heliopolis

[Catherina]

7. Some ppl are trying to break into the barbered wire

Menna منّة ?@TheMiinz

Some ppl are trying to break into the barbered wire. #Egypt

[woo me with science]

8. K&R

Thank you.

[Catherina]

29. Thank YOU

and not just for reading/supporting this but for all you do. Solidarity

[woo me with science]

61. So good to see you here. :)

[Catherina]

9. Egyptian Revolutionary Humor: #ReasonsMorsiIsLate

It's the whole scenario that brought Mubarak down all over again. New hashtag #ReasonsMorsiIsLate


Kareem Mokhtar ?@KMokhtar

#ReasonsMorsiIsLate He's trimming his beard.

[Catherina]

10. Dear US Media

Elazul ?@Elazul

Dear US Media; Fuck You. Sincerely, A Free Egyptian.

[Catherina]

11. Ultras have joined front line at barbed wire, chanting fuck your so called Morsi

Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

#Ultras have joined front line at barbed wire, chanting fuck your so called Morsi http://twitpic.com/bjmenp


If you don't know who the Ultras are, read about them here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-dorsey/egypt-ultras_b_1870016.html

They're basically fearless and won't take shit from anyone. "Egypt's militant soccer fans, one of the country's largest civic group.... highly politicized, well-organized and street battle-hardened fans led by supporters of crowned Cairo club Al Ahly SC..." with lots of public support and respect. Hard core fighters.

[Catherina]

12. surprising how many people claim #egypt's constitution 'isn't that bad'

4m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

surprising how many people claim #egypt's constitution 'isn't that bad' and then admit they haven't read it. please, just read it. #dostor

[Catherina]

13. Tens of thousands chanting "leave,leave" / fire works

Nada Wassef ?@Nadawassef

Ppl chanting "leave,leave" #Morsi #Itihadeya #Egypt


Mohamed Abdelfattah ?@mfatta7

Tens of thousands converging on the palace.


Lilian Wagdy ليليان ?@lilianwagdy

wow fire works now over the presidential palace people chanying like crazy ... Leave

[Catherina]

14. Morsi's recorded speech arrived to Egypt State TV /

Bassem Sabry باسم ?@Bassem_Sabry

Al-Jazeera: Morsi's recorded speech arrived to Egypt State TV, being prepared for broadcast.


Gregg Carlstrom ?@glcarlstrom

AJMM: Morsi's recorded speech has arrived at #egypt state television.

[Catherina]

15. CNN: Morsy miscalculating Egyptians' rage

2m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

CNN: morsy miscalculating egyptians' rage, by @NancyGEO — http://is.gd/cdG1pE #dec5 #egypt #MB (via @DaliaEzzat_)

...

On November 22, Morsy finally crowned these atrocities with a constitutional declaration granting him complete power over the executive, legislative and judiciary authorities, with no accountability. When the act was denounced at home and abroad, Morsy claimed that these are temporary measures were required to protect the revolution and help the transition to democracy. What has followed have been the opposite of democratic.

Explainer: What's driving Egypt's unrest?

Morsy quickly announced that there would be a December 15 referendum to vote on the new draft constitution that was rushed through by the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly. The majority of liberal and secular voices had already boycotted the committee over a lack of transparency in the drafting process. Despite protests, strikes and a declaration by federal judges that they will not monitor what they consider to be an illegitimate referendum, Morsy shows no sign of reversing course -- ignoring opposition in the fashion of Mubarak.

But Mubarak was not democratically elected. Then why is Morsy moving so frantically to consolidate his power without even attempting to disguise it behind a democratic facade?

The answer is, Morsy is not stupid. He is aware that he only won by a 1.7% margin. A substantial number of his voters favored him only to avoid another era of military rule at the hands of his opponent, Mubarak's ex-prime minister, Ahmed Shafik. In fact, the non-Islamist opposition arguably represents the majority, but only failed to mobilize for the election because it was deeply fragmented and disorganized. But Morsy's coup has done what some thought impossible: unite the liberal/moderate opposition.

...

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/06/opinion/okail-egypt-morsy/index.html

[Catherina]

16. Alexandria: Protesters clashes and two hit by a white van

Ashkar - أشقــر ?@Ashkar_M

#Alex Protesters clashes and two hit by a white van (not confirmed) pic.twitter.com/ZyECzA8N

[Catherina]

17. egypt's draft constitution in english and in arabic

1m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

#egypt's draft constitution in arabic: http://is.gd/Pt8mI7 — and in english: http://is.gd/fTq257 #dostor #dec8 #dec15


QUICK, RANDOM, unindicative EXCERPT from skimming.

Article 2
Islam is the religion of the state and Arabic its official language. Principles of Islamic Sharia are the principal source of legislation.



Article 3

The canon principles of Egyptian Christians and Jews are the main source of legislation for their personal status laws, religious affairs, and the selection of their spiritual leaders.



Article 4

Al-Azhar is an encompassing independent Islamic institution, with exclusive autonomy over its own affairs, responsible for preaching Islam, theology and the Arabic language in Egypt and the world. Al-Azhar Senior Scholars are to be consulted in matters pertaining to Islamic law.


The post of Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh is independent and cannot be dismissed. The method of appointing the Grand Sheikh from among members of the Senior Scholars is to be determined by law.

The State shall ensure sufficient funds for Al-Azhar to achieve its objectives.


All of the above is subject to law regulations.



...


Article 44
Insult or abuse of all religious messengers and prophets shall be prohibited.


...

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-s-draft-constitution-translated

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-s-draft-constitution-translated

[Catherina]

19. this sums up the controversial draft in context and content

1m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

a better egyptian constitution — @hahellyer sums up the context and content of this controversial draft: http://is.gd/KilwvT #egypt #dostor

....

the people of Egypt did not engage in a popular revolution for a constitution that was not "awful." No constitution was ever going to be perfect: but this constitutional draft is mediocre at best. At worst, it is open to incredible abuse -- a problem in a society increasingly riven by mistrust and damaging splits. It privileges the state above and beyond civil society in so many ways, giving the state powers to intervene in areas where it should have no competency. Moreover, it provides the executive with such power that autocracy is incredibly tempting, if not mandatory. Considering that the revolution owes its very existence to civil society, and Egyptians revolted largely against the dictatorship of former President Hosni Mubarak, that is hardly an encouraging affirmation of the revolt. Protection and encouragement of civil society should have been at the core of this constitution -- it almost seems barely tolerated, instead.

And finally, in consequence: it is bloody. This draft, as far as the supporters of Morsi are concerned, must go through. It must be put to a referendum. Opposition to him, his decree, and his draft, is no longer simply a political disagreement that can be rationally disputed. Rather, it is a sign of a more existential battle against the Muslim Brotherhood (MB). It is that worldview that unfortunately led to some of Morsi's supporters descending upon a peaceful protest in front of the presidential palace yesterday, resulting in a predictable conflict that led to 6 people dying. Their blood stains this constitutional draft.

...

http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/12/06/a_better_egyptian_constitution#.UMDMiOuid_9.twitter

[Catherina]

20. spirit is great here, women, ultras, men, old & young, liberals & leftists, christians & muslims...

Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

The spirit is great here, women, ultras, men, old & young, liberals & leftists, christians & muslims..everyone #Revolution #Ita7adiya

[Catherina]

21. protesters besiege FJP newspaper headquarters in manial

4m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

protesters besiege FJP newspaper headquarters in manial: http://is.gd/JEAyw9 #dec6 #egypt #MB (via @hany2m)

Al-Ansari said he fears the protest may turn violent and that protesters may attempt to break into the headquarters.

http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=b03f826a-c6f2-4a85-8ee7-cf12b41821fb

[Catherina]

23. rumours abound re. morsy offering an alternative

3m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

rumours abound re. morsy offering an alternative if 'no' votes win (1971 constitution with revisions). but that's what this draft is anyway.

[Catherina]

24. Entrance to presidential palace from ahram st also blocked

Lilian Wagdy ليليان ?@lilianwagdy

Entrance to presidential palace from ahram st also blocked it's like heliopolis is beseiged pic.twitter.com/DiPzXEoU

[Catherina]

25. NYT's sympathy for the Muslim Brotherhood

The Angry Arab ?@AngryArabNews

.... media's sympathy for the Muslim Brothrhood http://nblo.gs/FCTDZ

So the New York Times printed a picture with a caption showing the humanity of the protesters of the Muslim Brotherhood. It is all about the Israeli-Egyptian treaty, and nothing else. They can do what they wish, as long as they maintain the treaty. Here is the definition of the New York Times of violence by Egyptian protesters: "Though mostly peaceful, there were isolated episodes of violence, including the looting of a guard house, and protesters had written graffiti insulting Mr. Morsi on the palace walls."



http://networkedblogs.com/FCTDZ

[Catherina]

26. People are putting anti morsi banners on barbed wire fence

Lilian Wagdy ليليان ?@lilianwagdy

People are putting anti morsi banners on barbed wire fence surrounding presidential palace

[Catherina]

27. MB official twitter is @Ikhwanweb / English annd website too

Egyptocracy ?@Egyptocracy

I would highly recommend @Ikhwanweb for a myth busters episode. #justsaying #Egypt

@Ikhwanweb

Ikhwanweb is the only official Muslim Brotherhood's English website. Our Tweets represent the official opinions of the Muslim Brotherhood. RTs = endorsements

Egypt · http://www.ikhwanweb.com


Ikhwanweb ?@Ikhwanweb

Mahmoud Hussein: Muslim Brotherhood Rejects Violence, Urges Restraint http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=30457 …
Expand
40m Ikhwanweb Ikhwanweb ?@Ikhwanweb

Mahmoud Hussein Denounces Violence in Demonstrations Outside Presidential Palace - Ikhwanweb http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=30458 …
Expand
40m Ikhwanweb Ikhwanweb ?@Ikhwanweb

.@EssamAlErian: Media Deliberately Ignores Favorable Constitution Facts http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=30459 … v
Expand

[Catherina]

28. National salvation front just found out why #morsi pre-recorded...

Khalid Abdalla ?@khalidabdalla

National salvation front just found out why #morsi pre-recorded. An idiot interrupted their live statement claiming they are sowing chaos.

[Catherina]

30. Infuriating image - MB supporter puts his hand on woman's mouth to stifle her

Reem Abdellatif ريم ?@Reem_Abdellatif

MB supporter puts his hand on woman's mouth to stifle her “@_AlohaNoha_: Infuriating image! pic.twitter.com/MxoLwpBY”




Why are Liberal Feminists not standing next to our Egyptian sisters in full solidarity?

[Catherina]

31. staff prevented from entering/leaving MB media offices

Mohamed Fadel Fahmy ?@Repent11

Dozens of men surrounded Freedom and Justice newspaper offices/building in Manial prevented staff from entering/leaving. #Egypt

[Catherina]

32. Reporters Without Borders: Egypt’s Morsi supporters deliberately fire on journalists

SlipknotMody ?@SlipknotMody

RT @bikyamasr: #Egypt’s #Morsi supporters deliberately fire on journalists covering clashes http://dlvr.it/2bTHbb - #HumanRights #MB #Ikhwan

Egypt’s Morsi supporters deliberately fire on journalists covering clashes

- Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the actions of President Mohamed Morsi’s supporters who deliberately fired on journalists and attacked them as they were covering last night’s clashes outside the presidential palace in Cairo.

Al-Hosseiny Abu Deif, an experienced newspaper reporter, died at the hospital after being hit in the head by a rubber bullet fired at close range at around 1 a.m. today.

...

“We also call on the president to rescind the 22 November decree granting himself extraordinary powers, and not hold a referendum on the draft constitution in its current form. The Constituent Commission must amend the draft in order to provide more protection for freedom of expression and information.”

...

Other journalists were injured during the night as they covered the clashes. ...

Two journalists with Turkey’s TRT television, reporter Mehmet Akif Ersoy and cameraman Adil Ahmet, were attacked earlier yesterday in Tahrir Square and their equipment was damaged.
http://www.bikyamasr.com/82433/egypts-morsi-supporters-deliberately-fire-on-journalists-covering-clashes/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Catherina]

33. BBC: Morsy meeting with advisors to discus contents of his speech and timing

@SultanAlQassemi

BBC: Morsy meeting with advisors to discus contents of his speech and timing



Whaaa? It's already recorded, delivered and just waiting to be aired. And besides, what "advisors", did he hire new ones after the others quit? Or are these foreign advisors. Confused.

[Catherina]

34. former public prosecutor Abdul Majid Mahmoud now head of Cairo's Court of Appeal upon his request

@SultanAlQassemi

Egypt's Supreme Judicial Council appoints former public prosecutor Abdul Majid Mahmoud as head of Cairo's Court of Appeal upon his request

[Catherina]

35. thugs according to MB's supporters: a journalist, chef, ex diplomat,engineer & an activist

SlipknotMody ?@SlipknotMody

RT@DaliaEzzat_ These are the thugs according to MB's supporters: a journalist, chef, ex diplomat,engineer & an activist

[Catherina]

36. Marches move towards Egypt's presidential palace despite curfew

Marches move towards Egypt's presidential palace despite curfew http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59963.aspx via @ahramonline

Marches move towards Egypt's presidential palace despite curfew



...

The rallies include members of the Dostour Party, the revolutionary Maspero Youth Union and the Popular Alliance Party. They are planning to head towards the presidential palace in three marches.

One has set out from Cairo's Abbasiya cathedral, a second from Al-Nour Mosque in Abbasiya, and a third from Raba Al-Adawia Mosque located in the capital's Nasr City district.

An Ahram Online reporter in the march that set off from Al-Nour Mosque says there is an air of "sadness and anger" as protesters chant against the Muslim Brotherhood and Morsi.

...

The presidential guard has yet to announce when the newly imposed curfew will be lifted.



http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59963.aspx

[Catherina]

37. Protesters remove barbed wire blocking off a side street /

Aحmad H. عggour ?@Psypherize

Protesters took the barbed wire blocking off a side street and pulled it away. #Merghani


1m أبو كار أبو كار ?@Sarahcarr

Some protesters trying to push through army cordon bit in a slightly ay kalam way.

[PufPuf23]

38. Thank you Catherina kr

[Catherina]

51. Thank you my friend

Solidarity

[Catherina]

39. US State Dept statements

annah Allam ?@HannahAllam

- State Dept: We deplore the violence btwn rival demonstrators in #Egypt, call on all political leaders to condemn

- State Dept: #Egypt upheaval indicates dialogue urgently needed, obviously Egyptians have serious concerns about decree, constitution.

- State Dept on Morsi govt's stability: W/this kind of violence in streets, we're obviously concerned #Egypt

[Catherina]

40. ***Egyptian Islamic Jihad Calls For State of Emergency ***

SlipknotMody ?@SlipknotMody

RT @jamaldajani: “@AlMonitor: Egyptian Islamic Jihad Calls For State of Emergency http://almon.co/3zu ” - #Egypt #Morsi #Pigs

Egyptian Islamic Jihad Calls For State of Emergency



Members of the Republican Guard move barbed wire barricades to close a road leading to the presidential palace in Cairo, December 6, 2012. (photo by REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany )

By:Ghada Mohammad al-Sharif. Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm (Egypt).

Leaders of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) demanded that President Mohammed Morsi declare a state of emergency in Egypt if those protesting his constitutional declaration continue to use violence and to attack the state’s institutions.

The group also declared jihad against any attempts to undermine the state’s legitimacy and attempts to use thuggery against the elected president and Islamists.

Qasem told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the jihadist movement would respond to any acts of vandalism with force, and that any use of force will be deterred with force. He added that most Islamic currents have taken the same position in order to defend the president and his legitimacy.

He continued, “Complying with the coercion and tyranny of the minority would spread chaos.”

...

www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2012/12/egyptian-islamic-jihad-calls-for-state-of-emergency.html

[Catherina]

41. Egypt’s Draft Constitution: Religious Freedom Undermined

Elazul ?@Elazul

#Egypt’s Draft Constitution: Religious Freedom Undermined http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/334908/egypt-s-draft-constitution-religious-freedom-undermined-samuel-tadros … by @Samueltadros

Egypt’s Draft Constitution: Religious Freedom Undermined
By Samuel Tadros
December 5, 2012 1:44 P.M.

Cairo — Egypt’s Islamist president Mohamed Morsi’s latest constitutional declaration removing legal oversight and restraint on his powers has been met with a storm of controversy and protests. He has decided to respond by pushing for a hasty vote to adopt an equally contentious new constitution.

Even before the current turmoil began, representatives of non-Islamist parties and the Christian minority had withdrawn from the Constitutional Assembly tasked with writing Egypt’s permanent constitution for the post–January 25 Revolution period. They cited the non-representative nature of this body, specifically its marginalization of non-Islamists, the absolute dominance of Islamists, and the Islamists’ unwillingness to negotiate on the proposed articles.

Islamists had rushed to complete the draft constitution, rejecting any and all compromise with non-Islamists, whose objections and fears they impatiently dismissed. In less than two days, the Constitutional Assembly, which at this point had few non-Islamist members remaining within its ranks, hurried voting on the proposed draft and submitted it to the president who then called for a national referendum on it for December 15. The process leaves little room for serious public discussion of the proposed articles or for the non-Islamist opposition to build meaningful grassroots opposition.

While the draft is problematic on numerous counts, those articles that pertain to religious freedom and the protection and rights of minorities merit separate concern. The Islamist influence is readily apparent when these articles are compared to the corresponding provisions of the 1971 constitution which governed Egypt under Mubarak:

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Read the link: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/334908/egypt-s-draft-constitution-religious-freedom-undermined-samuel-tadros#

My apologies for that link however it it has good information.

[Catherina]

42. Islamist groups call for a demo outside Media City to protest "incitement by some channels".

Sarah El Sirgany ?@Ssirgany

Salafi Front & other Islamist groups call for a demo outside Media City to protest "incitement by some channels".

[Catherina]

43. US image worse locally than in many years. Now an insult to be connected

Bassem Sabry باسم ?@Bassem_Sabry

Egypt's Islamists & Liberals both claiming the other's more connected to the US, as an accusation. US image worse locally than in many years

[Catherina]

44. clashes erupt near morsy's home between protesters and CSF

4m نشرة القاهرة? نشرة القاهرة? ?@cairowire

clashes erupt near morsy's sharqiya home between protesters and security forces: http://is.gd/Zhj9Kd #dec6 #egypt

Clashes erupt near Morsy's Sharqiya home



Violent clashes erupted on Thursday close to President Mohamed Morsy’s home in Zagazig, Sharqiya.

Protesters angry with the violence that broke out during demonstrations in front of the presidential palace on Wednesday evening fought with security forces.The two sides threw stones at each other, prompting the security forces to heavily fire tear gas in an attempt to push the protesters back.

Many tear gas canisters fell close to the Zagazig University Hospital adjacent to Morsy’s home, forcing the evacuation of its patients.

Security forces were heavily deployed as an increasing number of protesters arrived in Zagazig and gathered in front of the faculty of medicine close to the university hospital.

...

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/clashes-erupt-near-morsy-s-sharqiya-home

[Catherina]

45. Morsi's prerecorded speech is waaaay overdue and delayed

Something's going on behind the scenes as the last we heard was that State TV had it and was ready to broadcast... Then a few minutes later that Morsi was consulting with some unknown advisors about it.

[Catherina]

46. 6 confirmed deaths,1493 injured, 213 critically (Protesters)

Ikhwanweb ?@Ikhwanweb

.@bikyamasr biased report in itself. Failed to mention 6 confirmed deaths,1493 injured, 213 critically among supporters viciously attacked



Loay El Biritaany ?@ElBiritaany

So many people pouring into #merghany

[Catherina]

47. Apparently something IS being broadcast right now but it's not Morsi speaking

it's an aide. Trying to get details and confirmation. Reporters are confused too. This is not what people were expecting. And neither RT nor AJE are carrying anything right now.

[Catherina]

48. 'Paid thugs' directed Wednesday's palace clashes: Egypt's Brotherhood

Hossam عمو حسام ?@3arabawy

'Paid thugs' directed Wednesday's palace clashes: Egypt's Brotherhood http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59959.aspx The ruling MB adopts Mubarak's NDP discourse.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has stated that Wednesday's clashes outside the presidential palace in Cairo were perpetrated by "hoards of thugs," alleging a "conspiracy" against Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and the Islamist group from which he hails.

"The conspiracy was an attempt to storm the presidential palace, occupy it and overthrow the regime and (its democratic) legitimacy," read a Thursday statement issued by the group. The statement went on to assert that the attempt had been thwarted by the "sacrifices of our brothers, who forsook their lives and blood to protect (democratic) legitimacy and the revolution."

The Brotherhood said the "thugs" had been armed with different types of light weapons and firearms, in addition to Molotov cocktails and teargas canisters. It also alleges that five of its members were killed in the violence.

...

"The conspiracy that failed yesterday (Wednesday) was carried out by those who fought the revolution and conspired and are still conspiring against it, and those who use illicit money stolen from the Egyptian people that they are receiving from abroad," they said.

...

http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/59959.aspx

[pinboy3niner]

52. Déjà vu

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

[Catherina]

53. Seriously yes.

I'm just waiting for the camels, though I suspect they'll go for elephants this time so it won't seem he just dusted off Mubarak's script.

[Catherina]

49. Pic: In #Alexandria, 2nd march to pass my house 2day.

Reem Abdellatif ريم ?@Reem_Abdellatif

In #Alexandria, 2nd march to pass my house 2day. Ppl chant: "Murshid & #Morsi's rule void, Erhal..Leave!" #Egypt

[rollin74]

50. K & R thank you for the updates!

keep em coming

[Catherina]

54. Pic: Women, carrying their shrouds, in 1st rows of a march headed to prez palace

Reem Abdellatif ريم ?@Reem_Abdellatif

Powerful image "@SohaBayoumi: Women, carrying their shrouds, in 1st rows of a march headed to prez palace. #Egypt pic.twitter.com/c1y7LDMd"

[Catherina]

55. Things are very calm in front of palace

Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

Things are very calm, #Iti7adyia turned into mini Tahrir,ppl holding signs,eating popcorn & koshary,families coming in to protest peacefully


Gigi Ibrahim ?@Gsquare86

The army even gave water to people , but then gave it back to them and said no we want freedom #Iti7adyia

[Catherina]

56. Egy public TV: referendum to be postponed for a month (<- the 'good' news???)

Ahmed Ateyya ?@Ateyya

Egy public TV: referendum to be postponed for a month !

[Catherina]

57. demonstrators pulling out barbed wire, presidential guards throw chocolates at them.

marlyn ?@virtualactivism

demonstrators at pres palace now pull out the barbed wires - and the presidential guards throw chocolates at them. Hehh. seriously



marlyn ?@virtualactivism

Demonstrators reject the chocolates and biscuits & throw them back at the presidential guard.

[Catherina]

58. still people in MB Custody (being beaten up)

Elazul ?@Elazul

There are still people in MB Custody (being beaten up) that were kidnapped by the MB yesterday. #Egypt

[Catherina]

59. State TV: Morsi to give a live speech shortly n/t

Gregg Carlstrom ?@glcarlstrom

State TV: Morsi to give a live speech shortly

[Catherina]

60. Part 2 continued at link below

Part 2 of this thread here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021937564