On May 11, 10,000 riot police attempted to prevent a pro-democracy demonstration in Cairo in support of two judges facing disciplinary hearings for exposing corruption in the November elections. Dozens of protesters, as well as media reporters, were beaten as they approached the High Court. Following the demonstration, more than 200 people have been arrested under emergency "anti-terrorism" laws. Activists in the Tora Jail in Cairo began a hunger strike on May 13 for better conditions, and won. A May 25 national day of sit-ins is being organised by Kefaya (Enough!) and other groups to commemorate the first anniversary of President Hosni Mubarak's assault on women protesters, and to demand the emergency law be repealed. Send messages of support to <freeegyptians@yahoo.com>.
From Green Left Weekly, May 24, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.