September 17

Gehad El Haddad, a senior Muslim Brotherhood official, spokesman and media activist is arrested. Haddad was very active on twitter (@gelhaddad) and a key contact for numerous international media outlets due to his fluency in English. This article shows pictures of Haddad and other Brotherhood members when they were arrested as well as reactions of the twitterati. 

Frontline interview Khaled Fahmy, a professor in the Department of History at the American University in Cairo, about the Muslim Brotherhood, from inception till the June 30 demonstrations while reflecting on Egypt’s continuous revolution.

The pro-Morsi alliance calls for more protests, locations undisclosed. Cairo’s criminal court endorses order to freeze assets of Muslim Brotherhood leaders.

In Damietta, unknown assailants open fire on a police station. A military officer is killed and 3 soldiers are wounded in an attack on an army vehicle northeast of Cairo. 13 suspects are arrested for violence that erupted in Delga, Minya.

Michael Hanna (@mwhanna1) tweeted at 11:09 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: @DaliaEzzat_ The dynamics between military and police look nothing like what they did pre-Jan 25, for instance.

Michael Hanna (@mwhanna1) tweeted at 10:05 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: When writing abt Egypt's judiciary ppl always say "packed w/Mubarak-era judges." Was Pres for 30 yrs, everything is packed w/Mubarak-era ppl.

According to Egyptian security forces, the French citizen held in custody for supposedly breaking the curfew, was beaten to death by fellow detainees.

Egyptian Streets ‏@EgyptianStreets 5:08 PM - 17 Sep 13: #pt The French man killed in detention is reported to have been a teacher in #Egypt. #France has called for investigation into the killing.

Mina Fayek (@minafayek) tweeted at 11:31 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: I'm surprised by your surprise on the not surprising brutality of the Egyptian police.

Mina Fayek (@minafayek) tweeted at 11:28 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: Why is everyone suddenly in shock about the Egyptian police brutality and inadequacy? Where have you been for the last 20 years? 

Matthias Sailer (@Matthias_Sailer) tweeted at 11:04 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: Tomorrow I want to read sth. positive happened in #Egypt! No xenophobia, killings, arbitrary detentions, propaganda or similar shit. Thx

Egypt – “A Dangerous Place for Journalists”:

“According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 40 local and international journalists have been arrested or detained since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi on July 3. And at least eight journalists have been killed since the overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The CPJ also accuses Egypt of conducting a “campaign of harassment on local and international journalists seeking to cover the ongoing political crisis in the country.”

Zeinobia, an Egyptian blogger, posts “Another sad tragedy in a series of tragedies” referring to the abysmal treatment of Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Egypt.

Transparency International categorizes Egypt under the ‘critical’ risk band by assessing transparency and oversight practices related to budget, policy, auditing and intelligence services. The report measures how well legislatures exercise their deliberative, legislative, and oversight powers over the defense sector.

UN Women (@UN_Women) tweeted at 11:10 PM on Tue, Sep 17, 2013: #Egypt:Illiterate mothers in poor households have difficult time encouraging their own child’s education http://t.co/GApeYOsvTg v @gulf_news

Press releases and reports by human rights organisations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): Mr.Hafez Abu Seada visited Geneva to attend the UN International Council on Human Rights. 

September 18

Dahlia Khalifa داليا ‏@JustDahlia 4:00 PM - 18 Sep 13: Thomas Cook restarts #Egypt trips for German holidaymakers http://reut.rs/19e7xgc  via @reuters

Louisa Loveluck sheds light on the children detained in Egyptian prisons in “In Egypt, the kids are not alright. In fact, they’re in prison”:

“Indiscriminate arrests of Brotherhood supporters have put at least 90 children in prison on charges of murder and weapons possession.”

Fatima Said ‏@fattysaid 11:30 PM - 18 Aug 13: Mona: There were also 5 children with me in the prison. One of them, a 9 y/old was imprisoned on charges of killing police officers!! #Egypt

The Telegraph’s Damien McElroy interviews Mustafa Higazy – the strategic advisor to Egypt’s interim government: “Egypt’s Eisenhower awaits his moment” - Egypt's military chief could be drafted as the country's 'Eisenhower' to step into the presidency on a wave of popular support, a senior adviser has claimed. He is also of the opinion that political Islam should be seen as 'a failed ideology'.

Egyptian security forces search for member of Jama’a Al Islameya, Assem Abdel Magid, in southern Egypt.

marlyn ‏@virtualactivism 9:13 PM - 18 Sep 13: Forensics report confirms it was a suicide bomber who blew himself up in assassination attempt agnst min of int. #egypt 

Case against former Prime Minister of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, Hisham Qandil, continues. The court will rule on the appeal he lodged against his one-year prison sentence.

AP: Egypt’s ousted leader talks to family for 1st time

Ramy Yaacoub ‏@RamyYaacoub 9:57 PM - 18 Sep 13: Dalga: The Brotherhood's Doublespeak Continues http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/egyptsource/dalga-the-brotherhood-s-doublespeak-continues?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=bufferb1381&utm_medium=twitter …

The Freedom & Justice Party (FJP) news portal reports that two Muslim Brotherhood leaders met with prominent Egyptian journalist Mohamed Hassanein Heikal yesterday to exchange perspectives on the current situation. Heikal has been a respected commentator on Arab affairs for more than 50 years.

Nervana Mahmoud ‏@Nervana_1 9:04 PM - 18 Sep 13: Doubt it MT @cairowire #NP's ahmed abdel-hameed: 'meeting between [heikal]/bishr & darag means #MB starting to exit state of calcification"

According to ahramonline one of six suspects admits beating Eric Land, the Frenchman that was killed while in detention in Cairo’s Kasr el Eini prison, claiming that the cellmates refused his presence because he was a foreigner.

Galal ‏@GalalAmrG 9:06 PM - 18 Sep 13: Family lawyer of killed Frenchman in Egypt says Eric was arrested during the day. 

David D. Kirkpatrick ‏@ddknyt 9:15 PM - 18 Sep 13: Egypt: Frenchman dies in police custody, tide of xenophobia, hunger strike by Canadian prisoners http://gu.com/p/3tq37/tw  @patrickkingsley

Canadian journalists remain in detention and are on hunger strike.

Electronic Intifada ‏@intifada 9:04 PM - 18 Sep 13: Canada group urges government to cut arms deals with Egypt, pressure coup regime to free John Greyson, Tarek Loubani http://bit.ly/1dmroOi 

Heba Afify writes about “The deep return – the return of the security state is increasingly noted – and approved.” In her opening paragraphs she sheds light on what journalists and opposition to the current regime may be subjected to.

Mai Shams El-Din ‏@maishams 9:10 PM - 18 Sep 13: Ministry of Foreign Affairs says no one was detained in #Egypt on political grounds since #June30 

There have been concerns over the banning of Whatsapp and Viber services in Egypt. A final decision has not been made yet.

Dahlia Khalifa داليا ‏@JustDahlia 3:36 PM - 18 Sep 13: Is #Egypt going into 21st century or backwards? No decision yet on Whatsapp & Viber ban: minister http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/81910.aspx  via @ahramonline

DavidKenner ‏@DavidKenner 7:32 PM - 18 Sep 13: Egyptian president calls for a "code of ethics" to make sure the press is both objective & prioritizes natl interest http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=16944161-f266-4528-a2eb-167c1e4d7f1c … 

Mahmoud Salem a.k.a. Sandmonkey sums up today’s Egypt in this piece “Waiting in the Queue…” and concludes by giving a glimpse into what he expects Egypt to be like in the future.

Karina Loren ‏@miskelayla 9:52 PM - 18 Sep 13: A saddening impression on the current mainstream mood in #Egypt by @Sandmonkey "Waiting in the Queue…" http://shar.es/iBl56 

Nisralnasr latest blog post “A tale of two coups”, quite long, is worth a read. Here are some snippets:

“For obvious reasons the coup against President Morsi has been compared to the coup against Allende….At the most superficial level the comparison obviously succeeds and equally obviously fails.  Two presidents, democratically elected, were both ousted by a military establishment…. Both men were engaged in “transformative politics” against entrenched interests... 

To sum up, by the weeks before the respective coups Morsi and Allende faced widespread public opposition that may have accounted for a majority of the population. This opposition had also taken the form of street fighting and the increasing possibility of violent confrontations. They also both faced significant opposition from significant state institutions, notably the judiciary and the military.  They both faced a rapidly deteriorating economic situation…

Comparing Egypt and Chile in the wake of their respective coups brings us to what political scientists like to call a “puzzle.”  To grasp the nature of this puzzle it is necessary first to do something few people want to do:  accept that not all violence is the same…

I have insisted on what distinguishes Chile from Egypt in order to make a fundamental point.”

Egypt’s farmers fear for their future, especially those in Fayoum - southwest of Cairo:

“The post-coup military crackdown on the Brothers and their supporters which began with the crushing of two sit-ins in Cairo last month, has extended into the countryside. Night raids by police and security forces are common. Some men sleep in the fields for fear of being arrested in their homes. Egypt’s authorities insist they are fighting a war against terrorism. Local police officers say they have a warrant for every man they arrest. But the villagers demur.”

Deena ‏@deenahsn 9:49 PM - 18 Sep 13: What Egypt Wants: Cheaper Bread - By @Reem_Abdellatif & @neenarai | @wsj http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323342404579076393770615038.html …

The Egyptian Constitution…

Sharif Kouddous ‏@sharifkouddous 12:41 PM - 18 Sep 13: Campaign to prohibit military trials of civilians in Egypt's constitution http://www.nomiltrials.com/2013/08/blog-post.html … #nomiltrials

Hafsa Halawa ‏@HafsaHalawa 11:47 AM - 18 Sep 13: "El-Gabali is currently chairman of constitution revision committee established by Egypt Higher Council for Culture" http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/81743.aspx 

Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) announces that the proposed amendments to the suspended 2012 constitution are fairer to women.

Head of the Salafist Al-Nour Party, Younis Makhyoun, says that his party will withdraw from constituent assembly if articles addressing Sharia and the Islamist identity of the State are under threat. 

Zaid Al-Ali ‏@zalali 11:17 AM - 18 Sep 13: Egypt's constitution should allow freedom of worship for all religions: Salmawy http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/81743.aspx  via @ahramonline

Galal ‏@GalalAmrG 9:22 PM - 18 Sep 13: Shorouk: Nour Party's Bassam el-Zarka eliminated from the #Comm50 for health issues, replacement to be called. #Egypt 

Nour Youssef writes about “Mubarak’s last chuckle” in which she discusses the audio recordings that were supposedly leaked by his doctor…

marlyn ‏@virtualactivism 9:17 PM - 18 Sep 13: Mubarak asks his lawyer not to sue any newsppr or journalist but 2 only file law suit agnst physician who leaked his audio tapes

Egypt’s feelings towards Syrian refugees and Palestinians… Syrians are forced to flee and the Rafah Crossing is opened only to allow 2 buses to take 100 passengers into Egypt:

Sima Diab ‏@SimaDiab 9:55 PM - 18 Sep 13: SUPPORT! The Refugees Solidarity Movement, documenting abuse and arrest cases against #SyrianRefugees in #Egypt http://www.facebook.com/refugeesmovement … #Syria

Karl Sharro ‏@KarlreMarks 9:55 PM - 18 Sep 13: In less than three years, Syria's war has made our diagram of Lebanon's war look simple and straightforward: http://www.karlremarks.com/2011/10/diagram-of-lebanons-war-and-peace.html …

Liam Stack ‏@liamstack: "Egypt's Syrian Scapegoats" by @sharifkouddous http://goo.gl/pXXLNb  #Egypt #Syria via @thenation

Ali Abunimah ‏@AliAbunimah 10:08 PM - 18 Sep 13: Petition launched by a grassroots coalition calling itself the International Campaign to #OpenRafahBorder http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/09/201391711394395976.html …

On a more positive note…

Ayman Sebae - a medical doctor, founding partner of Shamseya and working with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), writes about how Egypt’s healthcare system is in dire need of reform in “Egypt: a new diagnosis for an old illness”. In this article he also shares some startling facts:

• Only about 51 per cent of the population has health insurance.
• Annual public healthcare spending in 2012/13 stands at some LE27.4 billion (roughly US$4.5 billion), accounting for only five per cent of the total state budget.
• Nine per cent of all hospital beds across the country are in private hospitals, putting more pressure on the public health system.
• Around 200 hospitals and 3,800 medical units are said to be in inadequate condition to provide medical services.
• Nearly three out of four Egyptians think that there is corruption in medical and health services provision.

Mohamed Gabr writes about the return of football to people’s lives after the announcement of the World Cup qualification draw in “Egypt’s ‘political’ football”.

Culture corner…

Sherine ElBanhawy writes about Cairo’s new ‘Curfew Library’ in “Crowd-Sourcing Literacy With Cairo’s Curfew Library”

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): EOHR demands a prompt investigation of the incident of the death of a French citizen inside Kasr El-Nile Police Station 

EOHR demands the prompt arrest and the urgent trial of the perpetrators of Al-Salhya incident.

September 19

Prime Minister Hazem El Beblawi announces a minimum wage of EGP1200 (equiv. to approx. USD174) in the public sector. Maximum wage remains unknown.

Amr Fahmy ‏@AmrAdelFahmy 1:06 AM - 19 Sep 13: PM set new min wage for gvt employees at LE1200 #Egypt prob the 1st real revolutionary decision since Jan25 http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/pm-sets-new-minimum-wage-governmentt-employees-le1200 … 

Egypt/Qatar relations in the balance… A $2 billion loan is returned after talks fail.

@SultanAlQassemi 11:32 PM - 19 Sep 13: Egypt authorities refuse Qatari request to increase number of flights between the two states http://goo.gl/OTuc8S  Reuters

Rawah روعه ‏@RawahBadrawi 2:48 PM - 19 Sep 13: Buh-bye RT @Carina_bn: #Egypt CB governor confirms return of $2bn Qatari deposit to #Qatar instead of transferring into bonds.

Mona Eltahawy ‏@monaeltahawy 2:59 PM - 19 Sep 13: #Egypt is returning money to #Qatar? Wow. The #Saudis and #Emiratis must've given us tons to be able to pull that off.

This article “Christians of southern Egypt town get no respite after army wrest control from militants” highlights that the residents of Dalga fear for their lives once security forces leave the area and that this relief at being free from Islamist control is going to be short lived. 

Nervana Mahmoud ‏@Nervana_1 7:01 PM - 19 Sep 13: It s unfortunate, and frankly disgusting that Islamsts label #Dalga, #Kerdasa and #Sinai as examples of civil disobedience. #Egypt

Two primitive bombs are diffused on Cairo’s metro.:

نشرة القاهرة‎ ‏@cairowire 10:10 AM - 19 Sep 13: reuters: two 'primitive' bombs defused on #cairo metro, state news agency reports — http://is.gd/c8vQxZ  #egypt (via @eldahshan) 

Daniel Nisman ‏@DannyNis 11:24 AM - 19 Sep 13: Today's plot to bomb #Cairo metro railway follows similar plots in Suez, Alexandria. Islamists now aiming for indiscriminate attacks. #Egypt

Cairo Criminal Court orders the release of steel tycoon, Ahmed Ezz, on LE100 million bail. However, Ezz will remain in detention because he is facing trial on money laundering and illegally acquiring funds. Ezz was the chairman of the largest steel complex in the Middle East and during Mubarak’s days a senior member of the ruling National Democratic Party and has been accused of monopolising the steel industry in Egypt.

The Big Pharaoh ‏@TheBigPharaoh 4:15 PM - 19 Sep 13: Steel tycoon and Gamal Mubarak friend, Ahmed Ezz, will be released after paying a bail worth $14.2 million. Biggest bail in Egypt history.

Love Life &Smile ‏@loveLife_Smile 7:28 PM - 19 Sep 13: According to capital market Ahmed Ezz is worth over EGP 50 billion so EGP 100 million is like buying a bottle of coke

H A Hellyer poses the question “Will post-Morsi Egypt live up to great expectations?” in this article. 

Dalia Ezzat ‏@DaliaEzzat_ Each of the three pillars of Egypt’s economy–tourism, remittances & revenues from the Suez Canal–are under pressure. http://on.ft.com/1dw65tK  

Mohamed Hassanein Heikal reveals details of his meeting on Tuesday with senior figures of the Muslim Brotherhood, Amr Darrag and Mohamed Bishr:

“Darrag, former minister of planning and international cooperation under president Morsi, told the Freedom and Justice Party’s website on Wednesday that the meeting aimed to exchange perspectives on the current situation, adding that no other possibilities for dialogue with official bodies were discussed…Darrag confirmed that the stance of the pro-Morsi National Alliance to Support Legitimacy remains unchanged regarding the ouster of the former president, adding that the group will not take part in any resolutions that “are not based on legitimacy.”

Jordana Dar ‏@Jordanadance 1:05 PM - 19 Sep 13: Anadolu: Muslim Brotherhood expresses reservations to Heikal's proposal to ... - Middle East Monitor: The Hind... http://bit.ly/18bZTpz 

H.A. Hellyer د. إتش ‏@hahellyer 1:43 PM - 19 Sep 13: The #MB's international public diplomacy is impressive in its intensity and slickness. Its equivalent in #Egypt is abysmal. Truly.

Egyptian security forces, both army and police, storm Kerdasa - Giza and according to State TV: arrest 51 people suspected of attacking police during the dispersal of the sit-ins mid-August.

Deena ‏@deenahsn 2:51 PM - 19 Sep 13: Ministry of Interior undersecretary for media affairs, Abdel Fattah Othman, to @ONtvLIVE: 65 suspects arrested in Kirdasa. #Egypt #Giza

The Guardian ‏@guardian Egyptian police officer killed in Kerdasah: http://gu.com/p/3tq7y/tf 

The Big Pharaoh ‏@TheBigPharaoh 9:32 AM - 19 Sep 13: MB portrayal of Delga and Kirdasa as "fight against anti-coup" is just repugnant.

AP in “Egypt’s troops move against Islamist stronghold” report on what took place in Kerdasa.

Islam Abdel-Rahman ‏@IslamRahman 2:41 PM - 19 Sep 13: Police violations against those arrested in the streets of #Kerdasa today http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuVlv6fCuiI&sns=tw … #Egypt #AntiCoup

BBC Africa ‏@BBCAfrica: Egyptian security forces backed by helicopters have clashed with militants after entering a town near Cairo. http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24156197 …

Deena ‏@deenahsn 9:17 PM - 20 Sep 13: TT @ONewsAgency "30 Muslim Brotherhood supporters arrested in today's clashes in #Alexandria." #Egypt @meedan

Deena ‏@deenahsn9:37 AM - 19 Sep 13: TT @SkyNewsArabia_B "Security official: Security forces expand operation to Nahya." #Giza #Egypt

Al Jazeera: Egypt listed as dangerous for journalists

Investigative reporter, Hisham Allam, quits his job as an investigations editor for El-Watan newspaper. In this interview, he explains:

“It has become compulsory that events get covered from one angle, which condemns the ousted president's supporters and make them appear criminals, while local media ignore completely all the brutal killings and arbitrary arrests committed against the former regime supporters. Most respected journalists have decided to leave their media institutions temporarily for the fear of being exposed to pressure or being obligated to deceive the readers and audiences.

I quit my job as an investigation editor for this reason.” 

Heba Farouk Mahfouz. ‏@HebaFarooq 12:09 PM - 19 Sep 13: Young #Egypt-ian journalists/reporters currently covering violence between police& "terrorists" in Kerdasa #Courage pic.twitter.com/6MOkmN0n4I

Wael Eskandar ‏@weskandar 9:27 AM - 19 Sep 13: Dear Egyptian government, if you can't keep people alive in your custody, don't fucking arrest them.... http://fb.me/6tPq5SiHZ  

Jack Shenker ‏@hackneylad 3:10 PM - 19 Sep 13: Amazing press release from #Egypt's London embassy claims there have been no politically-motivated arrests since June 30th... (1/2)

Jack Shenker ‏@hackneylad 3:12 PM - 19 Sep 13: ... and goes on to legally justify MB crackdown by comparing it to UK's Public Order Act and attempts to deport Abu Qatada #Egypt 

NL Ambassador Egypt ‏@Gerard_Steeghs 9:38 AM - 19 Sep 13: Talked to member of Constitutional Committee. Hope a good compromise on "Islamic identity" articles will be achieved. But it is a challenge.

Nader G. ATTAR ‏@Nader_G_Attar 3:12 PM - 19 Sep 13: Urgent appeal abt Mahmoud Al-Ashram,12 years old refugee detained alone in Montaza 2nd police station: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=409464875822164&set=a.408240862611232.1073741828.407558279346157&type=1&relevant_count=1 …

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): Abu Seada from the Police Academy: Improving the security system depends on the application of international conventions on human rights 

Amnesty International: Further information: Canadian Detainees on Hunger Strike in Egypt

September 20

Prime Minister, Hazem El Beblawi, announces that the government will not tolerate criminal or terrorist groups.

An explosive device is planted on the side of a road in Rafah and explodes as security forces pass. No casualties reported.

Central Bank cuts interest rates for second time.

Two Al Jazeera employees detained over illegal possession of transmission equipment.

Ecuador has decided to send its ambassador back to Cairo, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry. The ambassador had been recalled following the dispersals of the Rabaa and Nahda sit-ins in August.

Amina Ismail ‏@AminaIsmail: Anne Patterson: US will continue to pressure Egypt for democracy http://news.egypt.com/english/permalink/186122.html …

Egyptian blogger, Zeinobia’s, two cents on rumors of Sami Anan’s announcement of running for presidency. Sami Anan is the former Chief of Staff and deputy commander of SCAF.

Hafsa Halawa ‏@HafsaHalawa 7:46 PM - 20 Sep 13: Away from twitter & commentary, most Egyptians are accepting of the undemocratic roadmap. They see it as a choice between pre-2011 & post. 

According to “The Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor”:

“The Youth Movement of Tawhid and Jihad in Egypt, a jihadi group which was established last year, issued a statement in which it declared war on the U.S and the Egyptian army, and threatened to target all American citizens, Zionists, and crusaders anywhere.”

Wael Eskandar ‏@weskandar 1:29 PM - 20 Sep 13: For those of you that don't believe #MB supported the church burnings on 14 August, here you go http://mbinenglish.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/fjp-helwan-facebook-page-on-church-attacks/ …

Dr Salah Sultan, a well-known preacher, released a statement in which he apologized for errors made by the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood’s secretary general, Dr Mahmoud Hussein, releases a press release in response to this statement.

Shadi Hamid ‏@shadihamid: This @nytimes piece on growing divisions in a small Egyptian town is great reporting - and a frightening read: http://nyti.ms/16cf5oP 

Aswat Masriya: The National Council for Human Rights will form a fact-finding committee to investigate an attack on Kerdasa police station on Thursday and the police crackdown that ensued.

A public funeral is held for a senior police officer, Nabil Farrag, who was killed in Kerdasa yesterday. Gen. Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi attend the funeral. 

Friday: the day of protests…

Security forces hunt for armed supporters of deposed President Morsi.

Mina Fayek ‏@minafayek 1:39 PM - 20 Sep 13: FJP page promoting marches in Kerdasa at the same time of the funeral of Gen. Nabil, no words from them on violence. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=609646385763488&l=4e3d09d411 …

Matt Bradley Verified account‏@MattMcBradley 11:58 AM - 20 Sep 13: With @gelhaddad in custody, #Egypt's government should take this opportunity to make him teach their PR people how to do their jobs.

Security forces fire teargas on pro-Morsi demonstrators in Alexandria.

Michael Hanna ‏@mwhanna1 1:44 PM - 20 Sep 13: New normal MT @MaherHamoud1: 2 cars attack police checkpoint in Marg (Cairo), heavily shoot at, kill one civilian and injure a soldier #Egypt

Gunshots are fired during the pro-Morsi march in Dokki.

Wael Eskandar ‏@weskandar 1:30 PM - 20 Sep 13: Just heard 7 rounds of gunfire in Dokki, any idea what's going on?

Abdel-Rahman Hussein ‏@ElFoulio 4:22 PM - 20 Sep 13: There's a protest nearby in Dokki and been hearing a lot of consistent loud bangs, and cars rushing off.

Wael Eskandar ‏@weskandar 5:10 PM - 20 Sep 13: One officer was insisting on shooting at MB protesters and another was holding him back. 

Pro- and anti-Morsi protestors clash in Suez, a 20-year-old man suffers from a gunshot wound. 

Wael Eskandar ‏@weskandar 2:22 PM - 20 Sep 13: Without structural reform, Egyptian police will not change. Shouting different orders won't quite cut it.

The Big Pharaoh ‏@TheBigPharaoh 5:34 PM - 20 Sep 13: Pro-Morsi march was allowed to reach one side of the presidential palace wall where they scribbled anti-Sisi graffiti.

Shadi Hamid ‏@shadihamid 5:20 PM - 20 Sep 13: RT @GalalAmrG: AMAY: Brotherhood member detained 15 days for possession of books that are 'insulting to the Armed Forces'. #Egypt

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

Amnesty International: Egypt: Over 150 refugees from Syria detained 

September 21

12 people injured and 32 arrested in clashes that took place in Alexandria yesterday and 98 are arrested in Kerdasa.

Government denies giving university guards arrest powers. 

Deena ‏@deenahsn 3:55 PM - 21 Sep 13: Schools remain closed in Kerdasa amid ongoing security operation that started Thursday | @ahramonline http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/82121/Egypt/Politics-/Tense-calm-in-Egypts-Kerdasa-following-security-op.aspx …

Azza Sedky poses this question on her blog “Can this be? EBay is selling Egyptian artefacts.” and shows pictures of the items being sold online. Zeinobia also mentions it on her blog and adds links to other websites selling Egyptian artefacts.

Transparency International launches a series of reports and a web documentary assessing access to information legislation across the Middle East and North Africa.

Mohamed Abdel Qader, representative of the Farmers in the constituent assembly dies in a road accident.

Representatives of Al Azhar in the constituent assembly express concerns over amending article 3 of the constitution:

“Article III grants Christian and Jewish communities in Egypt the right to resort to their own laws and principles in their personal lives, religious matters and in choosing their spiritual leaders.”

Forey recounts his experience in Delga, the Upper Egyptian village where sectarian clashes erupted with the dispersal of the pro-Morsi sit-ins, in “A day at the ‘Islamic Emirate of Delga”. According to this article, Christians hid with Muslim families leaving Forey questioning these “sectarian clashes”.

Dalia Ezzat (@DaliaEzzat_) tweeted at 9:32 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: "A march came towards the church yelling, "Islamic, Islamic" and cursing the pope and Christians" http://t.co/GrUjHz8DHQ #Egypt 

Nermien Riad ‏@NermienRiad 1:32 AM - 21 Sep 13: Islamic militants on motorbikes drive by Sameer's home in Dalga Egypt & make a chilling gesture — running their fingers across their throats

نشرة القاهرة‎ (@cairowire) tweeted at 10:16 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: PBS newshour: in #egypt, coptic christians become target for attack in times of national stress — http://t.co/wiY1Y7GBtD #sectarianism #MB

DavidKenner (@DavidKenner) tweeted at 11:13 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: Good morning, Washington! Pro-Morsy protesters are staging a demonstration outside the White House at 11am.

7 people are arrested in Zamalek, Cairo for writing and drawing anti-military and police slogans on walls. 

Ahdaf Soueif (@asoueif) tweeted at 11:07 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: First, Eric killed, now 7 people arrested for anti-military statements on wallshttp://t.co/w3BNxfBnVv Concentrating on Zamalek these days?

Deena (@deenahsn) tweeted at 10:46 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: Cabinet statement added that reports of granting arrest power to universities meant to stir unrest #Egypt

Rena Netjes (@RenaNetjes) tweeted at 11:27 PM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: #Delga cont's too @MaherHamoud1 Interior: Operation #Kirdasa continues, we arrested 170 of the accused and still tracking 70 via @aswategypt

Detention of 2 Al Jazeera crewmembers is renewed.

In April 2013 violence broke out in Khosous, a town in Qalyoubiya – a governorate in the Nile Delta. 33 individuals have been been accused for the sectarian clashes that took place that left 6 dead and 22 injured. The trial is adjourned to October 26 to allow time for eyewitness accounts.

Deena (@deenahsn) tweeted at 11:02 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: TT @hany2m "Security forces raid houses of the Ghozlans,implicated in #Kerdasa police station massacre http://t.co/wIxnJu81aV"#Egypt @meedan

The Palestinian minister of economy says that the Egyptian military destruction of tunnels along the Gaza border exceed $250 million in damages. The Rafah Crossing remains closed.

Basil الضبع (@basildabh) tweeted at 10:48 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: FM Nabil Fahmy will deliver Egypt's speech at the 67th UN General Assembly session this week to "protect the revolution" according to MOFA.

Basil الضبع (@basildabh) tweeted at 10:55 AM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: Here's the transcript of Morsi's speech last year at the UNGA: Arabic-http://t.co/KDMIcAagUA, English- http://t.co/HDA4WLuR7L

Anticoup Democrate (@rehman026) tweeted at 10:56 PM on Sat, Sep 21, 2013: @liamstack @AP #Egypt arrested the farmer to protect animal rights,no one is allowed to insult the animals. Donkey's reputation is at stake

September 22

The Egyptian Military denies Gen. Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s nomination for presidency.

Pro-Morsi supporters call for demonstrations outside UN offices under the slogan “the coup does not represent Egypt.” Students across the country are arrested for staging pro-Morsi protests.

Deena (@deenahsn) 9/22/13, 12:27 PM: TT @ONewslive "Muslim Brotherhood students stormed Dar al-Ulum college, Kicked Ali Gomaa (former mufti) out of Cairo Uni." #Egypt @meedan

Belgium lifts travel warning to the Red Sea region.

Canadians remain in detention. A blog “Free Tarek Loubani & John Greyson” is created to follow their news.

According to a representative from the Ministry of Finance, raising the min. wage to EGP1200 will cost EGP20 billion [Ar]. According to this article, arguments arise over whether or not the new min. wage reflects the social justice Egyptians seek.

Reem Abdellatif (@Reem_Abdellatif) tweeted at 5:36 PM on Sun, Sep 22, 2013: #Egypt's ministry of supply is mulling over putting a price cap on prices of fruits and vegetables. #foodsecurity

Minister of Trade and Industry says that Egyptian exports to the US have decreased by 45%.

Fareed El Deeb, former President Mubarak’s lawyer, summons the doctor who was treating Mubarak while he was in prison for interrogation over leaked recordings: “Prosecutors will now listen to Mubarak's testimony at Maadi Military Hospital where he is currently being held.”

Mai Shams El-Din in “A revolution free government” discusses the figures in the current government and sheds light on the fact that despite the presence of reformist figures, little has or can change. 

According to state-run Al Ahram newspaper, 130 persons are arrested in Kerdasa, Giza during the security forces crackdown on the area.

Presidential media advisor, Ahmed El Moslimany, meets with youth representatives as part of the New Leaders Campaign to give them the opportunity to present their concerns on social justice and youth empowerment. 

Judge Ali Awad Saleh, presidential constitutional advisor, claims that the government is achieving transitional justice with the Muslim Brotherhood by neither being revengeful nor selective. Although the courts are going to decide on September 23 whether the Muslim Brotherhood, as an NGO, will be banned or not. And on December 23, a court in Alexandria will decide whether they will be labelled as a terrorist group.

Galal (@GalalAmrG) tweeted at 6:28 PM on Sun, Sep 22, 2013: AMAY: 7 Brotherhood members arrested for attempting to halt traffic. #Egypt

Samer Al-Atrush (@SameralAtrush) 9/22/13, 5:54 PM: a low ranking policeman and conscripts get into a fight in minya, start firing shots in the air, according to mena

Ikhwanweb ‏@Ikhwanweb 9:55 PM - 22 Sep 13: Eyewitness from #Delga Town: Ali Mehana – Lawyer and Local Resident http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=31325 … #Dalga #Kerdasa #Egypt #AntiCoup

Wael Eskandar (@weskandar) 9/22/13, 12:32 PM: Maybe worth noting yet again that the MB protests are not a continuation of the revolution. acus.org/blogs/egyptsou…

Tweets quoting the spokesperson of the 50 member constitutional committee:

Matt Bradley (@MattMcBradley) 9/22/13, 12:31 PM: Mohammed Al Salmawy: "The general feeling inside the constitutional committee is not very sympathetic to military trials." #Egypt

Matt Bradley (@MattMcBradley) 9/22/13, 12:31 PM: Mohammed Al Salmawy: A representative from the NGO "No To Military Trials" will be addressing the constitutional assembly tomorrow. #Egypt

Matt Bradley (@MattMcBradley) 9/22/13, 12:40 PM: Mohammed Al Salmawy: Committee wants to cancel the Shura Council because "they don’t know what it’s doing and it’s costing a lot." #Egypt 

Egyptian blogger Zeinobia’s latest blog post is titled “#BanMilTrials: The battle is on”. She discusses the main challenges in amending the 2012 constitution, especially in regards to trying civilians in military courts.

There are now two journalists waiting to be tried in military courts: Mohamed Sabry and Ahmed Abu Deraa. It is unclear how many civilians are in the same situation.

According to the Salafist Al Nour Party the constitutional committee opposes anything Islamic.

Deena (@deenahsn) tweeted at 6:35 PM on Sun, Sep 22, 2013: Egyptian panel sees draft constitution replacing Islamist-backed text ready by early November |@washingtonpost http://t.co/bgCCpfF203 #Egypt

Liam Stack ‏@liamstack 9:51 PM - 22 Sep 13: #egypt set for total rewrite of #morsi constitution. Will change voting system, end ban on NDP members http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE98L0F120130922?irpc=932 … 

On a cultural note, Andeel writes “You just got mahraganed – There’s no way getting away from the sound.” Interesting piece on the Egyptian music scene.

Syria & Gaza vs. Egypt...

The Palestinian Ambassador is working to re-open the Egypt/Gaza Rafah crossing that has been closed since the dispersal of the sit-ins mid August. The Rafah crossing is the lifeline for Palestinians living in the Gaza strip.

Nader G. ATTAR (@Nader_G_Attar) tweeted at 6:38 PM on Sun, Sep 22, 2013: Media, public awareness, foreign Ministry and humanity is still absent in #Egypt. Syrian refugees are shouting in the dark! @simadiab 

Press releases and reports by human rights organizations:

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR): EOHR holds a consultative meeting with civil society representatives next Tuesday.

See ‘related articles’ for openDemocracy highlights. 

Our next Egypt in the balance update will be published in the week of Monday, September 30, 2013.

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