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TOP STORIES

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Legal & Political Institutions

The youth movement that played a large role in the ousting of former president Mohammed Morsi in 2013, the Tamarod or “Rebel” movement, will form a political party after presidential elections take place in order to run in parliamentary elections. [Aswat Masriya, Ahram] Read More..

Foreign Relations

Following Egypt’s second mass sentencing of 683 defendants, the global community spoke out. Eighteen human rights groups expressed their condemnation of the rulings in a joint statement released on Tuesday. International condemnation was led by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom and Turkey, who all strongly condemned Monday’s rulings all expressing concerns that neither trial was conducted in line with international standards. The Egyptian government responded to international scrutiny by stating that the sentencing was conducted by an independent judiciary and that the executive branch cannot intervene in the judicial process. [Gov.UK, UN, Egypt Embassy, US Embassy, Mada Masr, Daily News Egypt] 

Economy

Cairo’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development announced that the Housing Authoriy will be building 50,240 new housing units in 15 cities. The project aims to provide youth and low to medium -income households with a million housing units over a five-year period, according to the authority. [Cairo Post] Read More.. 

Marginalized Groups

CNN reports on the hundreds of Egyptian children who have been detained and tortured following mass protests in the summer of 2013. Many were arrested for breaking Egypt’s controversial protest law–those arrested are minors, under the age of 18. [CNN –video] Read More..

Security Sector

Police stormed Alexandria University’s campus after clashes broke out between pro-Morsi supporters and university security forces. University security alleges that they could  not control the violence, so police intervention was necessary. [Ahram] 
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MORE STORIES

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Legal & Political Institutions

 Judge who sentenced +1000 people to death, also known as “The Butcher” has a history of harsh sentencing; but Egypt’s executive branch refuses to intervene 

The Daily Beast: The Hanging Judge of Minya, Egypt, Sentences Hundreds to Death

In this article: Bel Trew writes, “he is nicknamed “The Butcher.” He is feared by all who enter his courtroom. And for good reason. In the last five weeks, Judge Saed Youssef, in Minya, Upper Egypt, has sentenced 1,212 people to their deaths in two mass trials. “ In the past two months, over 1000 people have been sentenced to death in two speedy, mass trials. The judge responsible for these verdicts has a history of harsh sentencing, and despite international condemnation, the Egyptian government has reiterated that the judiciary operates independently of the executive branches.

 Minya prosecutor to review 683 death penalty and life sentences 

Mada Masr: Prosecution to review Minya court ruling

In this article: After yesterday’s ruling of 683 people sentenced to death or life in prison, the Upper Minya prosecutor has opened up a review of the case.  In a statement, Abdel Rahim Abdel Malek, the Minya public prosecutor, said the review of the rulings is a normal practice following any death penalty verdict. According to him, the review looks into the legal references used in the ruling, particularly from the Penal Code. A report is then sent to the Court of Cassation.

 Sabbahi gains the support of the Adl party in presidential elections 

Ahram: Centrist Adl Party backs Sisi for presidency

Mada Masr: Justice Party throws weight behind Sabbahi campaign

In this article: Presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi has gained new support from centrist Adl party. The party announced support during a press conference where they urged political forces that supported the goals of the January 25 revolution and the ouster of Morsi, to back Sabbahi in the presidential race.

Marginalized Groups

 Controversial Salafist referred to investigations for contempt of religion, inciting rape of women 

Egypt Independent: Salafi group’s vice-chief referred to investigations over contempt of religions

MCN: Salafi leader says fatwas against Copts “consistent with Sharia law”

CairoPost: Borhamy accused of contempt of Christianity

In this article: Public Prosecutor Hesham Barakat decided on Saturday to refer Vice-Chief of the Salafi Dawa Yasser Borhamy to the Cairo Appeal Prosecution for interrogations over contempt of religions. The Egyptian Union for Human Rights Organizations filed a complaint against Borhamy for insulting Coptic Easter, contempt of religion, and inciting rape against women. 

Rights & Freedoms

 National Alliance to Support Legitimacy calls for protests against 683 death sentences 

Ahram: Pro-Morsi alliance calls for protests against mass death sentences

In this article: The pro-Morsi camp, the National Alliance to Support Legitimacy, has renewed calls for protests against the 683 death sentences passed by a Minya court yesterday. The group released a statement calling for protests to start on Wednesday in front of the homes of some of the defendants who were sentenced.

Economy

 Presidential candidate Sisi meets with the World Economic Forum 

Ahram: Egypt’s El-Sisi meets with WEF director in build-up to presidency bid

Mada MAsr: Sisi meets with World Economic Forum officials

In this article: Presidential hopeful Abdel Fattah al Sisi met with the director of the World Economic Forum, reported MENA news. It is unclear in which capacity Sisi was taking the meeting, however, the two discussed the importance of restoring Egypt’s economy and the role of international actors in Egypt’s transition.

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