This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
ILO added that Egypt's "restrictive legislation" permits only the state-controlled Trade Union Federation (TUC), subordinating worker issues to demands of government and private sector enterprises, including their right to bargain collectively in independent unions for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Establishment of the Egyptian Independent Trade Union Federation (ITUC), in fact, was a Western-backed subterfuge, promising but not improving worker rights. As a result, strikes and street protests continue.
Military forces confronted them, threatening to open fire if protests didn't disburse. Others came to Tahrir Square, defying orders to leave. Among thousands, they chanted:
"The people want the overthrow of the field marshall (and) regime."
Anger over recent Israeli Gaza attacks also was voiced, demonstrators marching to Israel's Giza embassy, demanding an immediate end to all economic and political ties between both countries. Participating soldiers were threatened with arrests and military tribunal trials. Reports said three were killed by live fire and many dozens wounded.
People are angry because ousting Mubarak achieved nothing. Severe repression continues. Unemployment is high. Those with jobs get poverty wages, and promises of democratic change were lies, Egypt's junta enforcing police state brutality to keep power, profit handsomely, and serve Western interests.
On April 12, another confrontation occurred when soldiers violently dispersed Tahrir Square protesters, arresting dozens. Moreover, Egypt's counterterrorism Unit 777 raided homes, cafes, and other establishments, hunting down activists and human rights supporters.
On state television, the junta maliciously called protesters hired thugs, trying to denigrate public confidence in military rule, claiming it supports effective change when, in fact, it won't tolerate it.
Expect little from an April 14 New York Times report, writer Liam Stack headlining, "Egyptian Military to Review Cases of Jailed Protesters," saying:
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
