Iraq: At Least 40 Killed in Attacks Across Country
Egypt’s security forces have continued their crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, arresting Saad Al Husseiny, the former governor of Kafr El-Sheikh Province.
Since the July 3 coup that deposed President Mohamed Morsi, backed by the Brotherhood, hundreds of the group’s members have been arrested over allegations of inciting violence.
Those arrested include the Supreme Guide, Mohamed Badie, the Deputy Supreme Guide, Khairat El-Shater, and the Secretary-General of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, Mohamed El Beltagy.
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Iraq: At Least 40 Killed in Attacks Across Country
At least 40 people were killed by a wave of attacks in Iraq on Tuesday,
Eight car bombs went off in predominantly-Shiite neighbourhoods of Baghdad at around 6 p.m. (1500 GMT), killing at least 34 people and injuring more than 80.
Turkey: Police Used “Excessive Force” Against Gezi Park Protests, Says Interior Ministry Report
An Interior Ministry report has declared that police used “excessive force” in its response to the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul and Izmir.
It demanded permission to begin a preliminary investigation into some cases of excessive force.
Interior Minister Muammer Güler allowed the inspectors to conduct a preliminary inspection over the cases in Istanbul, according to daily Milliyet. With Güler’s permission, the inspectors will take testimonies from “suspected” police officers.
After testimonies, the inspectors will send their demand for an investigation to the Istanbul Governor’s Office, whose permission is necessary to open an investigation against the officers. The inspectors have also opened administrative disciplinary proceedings with Güler’s permission.
The incidents into which the inspectors will conduct a preliminary inspection include the case of a police officer seen spraying tear gas at Ceyda Sungur, the “woman in red,” in Gezi Park on May 28. A photo of the incident caused an uproar around Turkey and became one of the most enduring images of the protests.
Egypt: Mohamed Badei Detained for 15 Days
Mohamed Badei, the Muslim Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide, has been detained for a further 15 days pending investigations.
Prosecutors accused Badei of inciting violence, murder, possessing weapons, harming public security, hindering traffic, damaging public property and resisting authorities.
Egypt: Mohamed al-Beltagy Detained for 15 Days
Prominent Muslim Brotherhood leader, Mohamed al-Beltagy, has had his detention extended for 15 days pending investigations over charges of killing protesters before the supreme guidance bureau during protests of 30 June.
He has been accused of inciting murder and attempted killing of citizens to carry out terrorism, as well as possessing arms and ammunition without license.
Beltagy also defended the Brotherhood’s right to defend its headquarters against attack during the protests, saying “Those who broke into the Brotherhood’s bureau were groups of thugs. Police should have carried out its duty and protected the headquarters.”
Egypt: Women’s Rights Group, Muslim Brotherhood Both Criticise Committee of 50
The Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights has criticised the “lean” representation of women in the Committee of 50 designated to amending the constitution.
The group demand that at least one-third of the representatives should be women, after only 5 women (10 per cent) were appointed to the Committee.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Ali Bishr of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Guidance Bureau has said that neither the Brotherhood nor its affiliate the Freedom and Justice Party were invited to participate in the Committee of 50.
Egypt: Helicopters Attack Militants In North Sinai
Two helicopter gunships have fired rockets at militant groups based in the northern Sinai Peninsula, causing dozens of casualties.
The attacks hit the militants while they gathered at three houses in al-Muqataa and Touma, south of the town of Sheikh Zuweyid near the border with the Gaza Strip.
The number of casualties are unclear as it is unknown whether there are any soldiers on the ground able to assess the situation, but officials said “dozens” of fighters have been killed during the ongoing fighting.
Security officials also said that two members of the Mujahideen Shura Council, that has fired rockets at Israel, most recently on August 13, were arrested on Monday.
Libya: Daughter of Former Intelligence Chief Abducted
Anoud Abdullah al-Senussi, the daughter of former intelligence minister Abdullah al-Senussi, was abducted on Monday afternoon by heavily armed gunmen.
Al-Senussi, who herself recently completed a 10-month prison sentence for entering the country on a forged passport, was visiting her father who is being held at al-Rayoumi prison when the attack occurred.
Abdullah al-Senussi, who is accused of crimes committed during the rule of Muammar Gadaffi, is also wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity during the revolution that overthrew Gadaffi.
Egypt: Al Jazeera and 3 Other Channels Banned
A Cairo administrative court has banned four channels, including Al Jazeera Mubashir Misr.
The other three are Ahrar25, Al-Quds and Al-Yarmouk
The Ministry of Investment, Telecommunication and Information previously issued a statement on Thursday banning Al Jazeera Mubashir Misr due to it not having legal permits to work in the country.
