Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recently expressed concerns over new legislative measures initiated in Egypt. These laws, HRW suggests, may serve to concentralize more power in the military at the expense of civilian governance. Intriguingly, the legal maneuvers allow for certain responsibilities typically belonging to police and civilian judiciary to now fall under military jurisdiction. Further, these laws appear to expand the application of military courts in prosecuting civilians.
One such law, Law No.3, mandates that the armed forces oversee the protection of public facilities deemed “vital,” and offenses against these properties would be handled in military courts. The law unquestionably augments military roles by granting police power abilities including inspections, searches, and seizures, in efforts to curb offenses posing threats to society’s fundamental needs. Autonomy is also granted to the defense minister in determining tasks and the allocation of military personnel.
These laws also assign the military with certain economic roles, designed to protect the public’s access to food and potentially influence the food market. However, this has raised some fears, particularly considering Egypt’s existing food insecurity issues. The Egyptian government contends that this power concentration is crucial to preserve state pillars and defend national security whilst protecting citizens’ rights.
Egypt has a historical record of military influence in its political space. Military rule ended following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, culminating in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. After a series of nationwide protests against Mohamed Morsi, the successor from the Muslim Brotherhood, then Defense Minister Al-Sisi seized power in a coup d’etat in 2013. Al-Sisi, having held the Presidency for the past decade, has been instrumental in the expanded role of the military in Egyptian society.
Critics of the Al-Sisi government, such as Hisham Kassem, are frequently censored and imprisoned. Kassem was recently sentenced and his case is just the latest in an escalating crackdown against dissent, especially on social media, as elections approach.
To conclude, HRW is calling for the abolition of civilian trials in military courts worldwide. For more detailed information click here to read the original article.