Muslim Brotherhood | European Affairs Magazine

Egypt: 13 alleged militants arrested in police raids in Beheira and Alexandria

18 Aprile 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Investigations after bombs attacks of Palm Sunday continue in Egypt. According to a statement from the ministry, the arrested men were members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. The statement added that the 13 men had orders to plant bombs in several cities and to attack Copts, security personnel and state institutions, “in order to spread chaos”. Officials told that some tunnels had been found under their home, and a lot of stuff to create an explosive had been, also, found.

The Egypt-US meeting it will be an important time in their common relations

1 Aprile 2017 BreakingNews @en di

The Egypt-US meeting previous on Monday, it will be an important time in their common relations. Indeed US relations with Egypt since the Arab-Spring had been cold. It will be the first official visit of President Al-Sisi to the White House. During his meeting with Trump, Al-Sisi is expected to make the case for the US government listing the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliate organisations as terrorist groups, a step which would in itself help to end global terrorism. This taking of position will obligate European countries to do the same. For Trump, it will be the occasion to find an ally to fight IS and terrorism.

Presidency Council met with Al-Qaeda leaders to plan attack on oil ports

8 Marzo 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Accusations from the Dignity Operation against the President of the Council, following the recent attacks in the oil croissant. Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesman of Dignity Operation accuses UN-proposed Presidency Council and High Council of State held secret meetings with leaders of Al-Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood to mastermind the attack on the oil crescent region by Benghazi Defense Brigades. He claims that this alliance is linked against his organisation, against LNA (Liberation National Army). He also claimed that Al-Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood are competing for the control of Tripoli and oil ports to have more influence on the ground. However, BDB commander Brig. Mustafa Al-Shirksi has made it clear that his brigades have no links to any group in or outside Libya. In fact, Benghazi Defense Brigades are backed by Defense Minister of Presidency Council Al-Mihdi Al-Baraghati and PC member Mohammed Amari, in addition to several brigades from Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos Operation.

The Muslim Brotherhood spread lies around the world saying that they aren't terrorists

26 Febbraio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

The Muslim Brotherhood are spreading lies through systematic campaigns that aim to turn global public opinion and human rights organisations against Egypt, Dar Al-Ifta – the state Islamic authority charged with issuing religious edicts – said in a Friday statement. Dar Al-Ifta’s statement is in response to an op-ed written by Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad and published by The New York Times 22 February under the title, “I am a member in the Muslim Brotherhood, not a terrorist.” “We are not terrorists. The Muslim Brotherhood’s philosophy is inspired by an understanding of Islam that emphasises the values of social justice, equality and the rule of law”, El-Haddad wrote.
In December 2013, the Egyptian government designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation as the government blamed the group for a number of deadly attacks on security forces in the aftermath of the ouster of Islamist president Morsi in July of that year. In the last three years, many Brotherhood members have received various prison sentences on charges that range from breaking the protest law to incitement against the government and carrying out terrorist attacks.

Egypt, anti-terrorism laws: new “Arab Winter”?

18 Agosto 2015 Middle East - Africa di

Death penalty for those who take part in the Jihadist groups. Journalists mustn’t contradict official accounts. Al Sisi mandate marks return to nationalism and repression against opponents. But this policy is counterproductive: attacks in the country has exponentially increased since 2013.

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Yes to anti-terrorism legislation. The hard line of the Egyptian president to Sisi has gone on. Within the 54 measures passed, the most crucial are death penalty for those who founds or finances a terrorist group. And fines from 23,000 to 58,000 Euros to journalists who write wrong informations or different knowledge from government statements.

If Egypt wants to be back first partner in the political and trade relations with International Community, like about Suez Canal expansion, on the other hand al Sisi wants to show internal stability and capability to fight internal Jihadists group. This mood is bringing a hard repression not only against Islamists, but also against also political opponents and Egyptian press.

A crackdown began in June 2014, when current president al Sisi started his political mandate, and continued with Arab Springs protagonist repression. Many political opponents, not considered terrorists during Mubarak regime, are now considered criminals. As the death sentence to former President Morsi, to supreme leader Badie and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, of which the legal office filed an appeal on August 16.

This attempt to stabilize the country, with an eye to the West in view of a possible intervention of the United Nations and Italy in Libya, brings a regression in terms of fundamental rights. An attitude branded by some observers as illiberal and even more militaristic than the Mubarak regime. This political behaviour wants to give West the eye, especially if United Nations and Italy will intervene in Libya. However, many international observers have talked about a harder repression than during Mubarak regime.

But it’s not enough. This fight against terrorism is counterproductive. As reported by the Brookings Institution, data published in August by Egypt Center for Economic and Social Rights tell us that the terrorist attacks in Egypt have increased exponentially: from 2011 to June 2013 were 78; from July 2013 until May 2014, 1223 . And with tens of thousands of arrests for political reasons, at least 300 disappeared, murders of institutional positions and deterioration in Sinai, the issue is clear.

An ineffective and counterproductive policy which, as underlined by the Brookings Institute, could be a gift, from political and public points of view, Islamic State.
Giacomo Pratali

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