Tag Archives: Egypt

Egypt’s state-run newspaper accused the US of spreading anarchy. The Muslim Brotherhood backed the military’s position on US-sponsored pro-democracy groups. A Salafist preacher called for Egypt to replace US aid with local donations. The government slated presidential elections for May.

The Egyptian military cancelled a meeting with US lawmakers after the US warned that Egypt’s prosecution of nongovernmental groups could threaten $1.3 billion in annual US military aid. The US said it was working “at every level” to resolve the dispute.

Protesters and police clashed for a fifth day outside Cairo’s security headquarters. The head of the ruling military council called for a quick move to presidential elections. Democracy activists reacted to the announcement of criminal trials for NGO workers.

Egypt will try 43 foreigners employed by nongovernmental organizations, including 19 Americans, on charges of using foreign funds to create unrest. A Muslim Brotherhood spokesman said the NGOs were “paying money to some youth to incite violence and make riots everywhere.” The US may withhold some $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt.

Thousands demonstrated after 74 people were killed in rioting at a soccer match in the worst violence since Mubarak’s overthrow. Egyptian football organizers were sacked and authorities in Port Said, where the clash took place, have resigned. A famous Egyptian comedian was jailed for offending Islam.