1044 Arbitrary Arrests in Run Up to Egypt’s Polls

Egyptian security forces have arrested 1044 Muslim Brotherhood activists in the run up to the country’s parliamentary poll slated for November 28.

Witnesses maintain that clashes have taken place and violence has escalated  after security forces brutally attempted to stop peaceful campaign rallies by MB MP candidates and their supporters, resulting in large numbers of injuries, some critical. Skirmishes are taking place amid reports of a charged atmosphere nationwide.

Human rights activists describe the electoral campaigns in Egypt as degenerating into violence with fears that the situation may worsen as many candidates from the NDP have resorted to appointing thugs to attack and assault opposition candidates and their supporters.