In Egypt, the unrest is spreading
Palestinian hunger-strikers touch a chord, Libya nears elections
Daily Egyptian newspapers and regional press are abuzz over the escalating riots in Abbasiya, Cairo, as unrest spreads throughout the country.
Al Masry Al Youm’s headline today reads “New Blood in Abbasiya, Dozens Injured in Violent Clashes.” Egypt’s leading paper Al Ahram reports that over 170 people were arrested, and a curfew was imposed from 11 p.m. last night until 7 a.m. this morning. The Egyptian army released a statement declaring that “[we] will deal firmly and decisively with anyone who attempts to breach it.”
While most commentators blame the military for the violent turn at the protest, an editorial in reformist Egyptian paper Youm7 says, “In the events at Abbasiya, everyone is convicted.” Author Magdy Derbala criticizes the riots as being “selfishly” motivated acts with partisan aims, asking “is there not a group or party that is able to move around the streets in consideration of all parties?”
Significant attention has also been given to the American reaction to the violence. Left leaning Egyptian paper Al Shorouk discusses a press conference with U.S. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner. Responding to a question about another potential delay in the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections, Toner says, “I don’t expect that.” Toner also states that US government wants to see “an end to this violence…We want to see the government of Egypt investigate these events and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. We obviously support the rights of all individuals to peacefully protest.”
Al Shorouk reports that protests are continuing at the Northern Command headquarters in Alexandria, and in the Suez area, where six people were arrested.
As prisoners’ health deteriorates, public support grows
With over 1,550 Palestinian prisoners now on hunger strike, and following the collapse of prisoner Bilal Diab in court, public outrage and support for the Palestinian prisoners is mounting.
The UK based Palestinian daily Al Quds Al Arabi reports that “ten Palestinians on hunger strike have been transferred from Israeli prisons to hospitals.” Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour is cited in the article saying “Israeli is responsible for the health of these prisoners.”
Palestinian newspaper Al Ayyam writes with an optimistic tone, hinting that indeed the hunger strike is proving to be effective. It reports that the Israeli government has agreed to “form a committee of the Prison Service and Security Service that will meet once a month to discuss the issues of segregation and isolation.” Other concessions included increasing “Shekel allotments,” “broadcasting more television stations,” and allowing an “increased number of visits per month.”
Al Ayyam leads its front page with the headline “Widening campaign of solidarity with the striking prisoners in prison; administration begins to respond.” Sub headlines detailing the widespread response include “mass demonstrations in support of prisoners in Kufr Kana,” “Palestinian diplomats move extensively in support of prisoners in Switzerland,” and “Hamas threatens to respond in the event of martyrdom of any of the striking prisoners.”
Another Palestinian paper, Al Quds, stresses the efficacy and necessity of a hunger strike. “With the freeze in the peace process, non-violent resistant is crucial for the Palestinian resistance movement.” It adds that, “virtually ever Palestinian family is affected by the issue of prisoners,” and more importantly, that ominous consequences will follow the death of any prisoner. A spokesman from Islamic Jihad, Khader Habib, warns that the death of any prisoner “will put an end to the lull (in violence), and the occupation will bear the responsibility for the consequences.”
Impact and feasibility of Libyan elections debated
Roayah News reports that Libya’s current head of state, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, believes that the upcoming elections in June “will liberate Libya” from the current infighting plaguing the country. These comments follow the decision this week by Libyan authorities to remove a ban on religious parties.
Leading Arabic news site Al Jazeera reports that the prohibition was “about to create a political crisis between the Islamic groups and the ruling authorities.” A commentator for Al Jazeera explains that such bans, as used in Turkey, “actually exacerbate the problem” and further “force religious and ethnic tensions.”
While the reality of elections now seems more promising, another feature in Al Jazeera documents a series of logistical problems plaguing the looming vote. The president of Libya’s election committee, Nouri Al-Abbar, acknowledges that the “security plan” for the elections is not yet complete, and further that “delays in registering voters” are harming the credibility of the vote. Registering “displaced voters from the civil war”” is also proving to be difficult, and there will “soon be an announcement as to how Libyans can vote from abroad.”