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Opposition interests aren't tolerated. Egypt's Emergency Law enforces power. First enacted in 1958, it remained in effect since 1967, except for a brief 1980 period. In 1981, its current version was enacted.
In January 2012, junta leaders provisionally lifted it. General Hussein Tantawi said it still applies in cases of "thuggery."
In other words, it remains in force against anti-regime activists. Anyone can be targeted without cause.
Warrants aren't issued. Civilians face kangaroo court justice. Guilt by accusation is policy. Since Mubarak's ouster, everything changed but stayed the same.
In fact, conditions are worse than ever. Promises made are broken. No one's safe. State terror affects everyone. Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights director Hossam Bahgat said:
"For us the state of emergency has not been lifted. Police (still have) wide-ranging powers to stop, search, and detain anyone without a judicial warrant. On the ground, this will mean" nothing changed.Baghat called Tantawi's announcement "a clever public relations move."
Emergency law tyranny still rules. Electoral results change nothing.
Junta control permits suspending constitutional rights, instituting martial law, enforcing censorship, curtailing anti-regime protests, marginalizing opposition, and restricting assemblies and free movement.
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