Two More Years of the Same

In a surprise move, the Egyptian government submitted a request to parliament to extend Emergency laws for another two years despite the national rejection and the pressing demands to end the state of emergency.

As expected, the government cited the latest terrorist attacks in Dahab as a justification for the extension. The parliament, which is controlled by a majority of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), is expected to pass the legislation.

Leaders of the NDP including Mr. Safwat El Sherif, Party’s General Secretary, and Mr. Gamal Mubarak, head of the policies committee, held a series of meetings with members of their party to make sure they attend the early Sunday morning parliament session to assure the needed majority.

Hassan: Emergency laws only brought disasters to the country

Dr. Hamdy Hassan, spokesperson of the Muslim Brotherhood’s parliamentary bloc stated on Sunday that the government is used to surprise the parliament with the emergency law extensions’ requests.

He reaffirmed the Muslim Brotherhood and other members in the “Parliamentarians against emergency law” newly formed coalition, will not vote for the law which only brought disasters to the country and stalled its development 

He also stated that in absence of war or threats to national security, it becomes unconstitutional to declare the state of emergency, which has been in place for over 25 years.  Dr. Hassan urged his colleagues in the parliament to make a patriotic move and put their political differences aside in order to defeat the law, which is a violation of all international norms.

Related Topics:

1-Egypt government seeks two years of emergency law

2-Egyptian PM asks parliament to extend state of emergency