Eygpt - countrywide protests planned for this weekend

Media reports are indicating that the Islamist National Coalition in Support of Legitimacy (NCSL) has called for countrywide protests from 6 to 8 December in Egypt.

The protests planned for today have been called to commemorate those killed during demonstrations. The upcoming rallies are likely to occur after Muslim midday prayers.

Demonstrations for tomorrow have been called in support of 21 female protesters arrested during protests in Alexandria and who were given lengthy prison terms.

Finally, protests on 8 December will be held in solidarity with striking workers in Helwan. The NCSL has led frequent anti-government/military rallies since Islamist parties were ousted from the government by the military on 3 July. 

These are likely to take place near mosques, universities, in public squares and city/town centres, and in the vicinity of security force facilities and prominent government buildings. There is a high threat of violence at all street protests in Egypt.

Additionally, it is unclear whether or not the planned protests have received authorisation. A new protest law, signed on 24 November, prohibits protests at religious sites, and gatherings that proceed without requisite permission. A number of unauthorised gatherings have been dispersed by security forces since the law was passed, often leading to clashes.

Demonstrations are likely to impact major urban centres in the vicinity of the Nile River, Mediterranean coastline, Suez Canal and Nile Delta. Disruptive protests in or near prominent resort towns along the Red Sea and southern Sinai Peninsula coastlines are less likely.

Travellers to or those already in Egypt are advised to be cautious due to ongoing political instability and the threat of a re-escalation in civil unrest.

All street protests and likely protester gathering points should be avoided, particularly in primary urban centres.

Please contact RPS for further information if you plan to travel to Eygpt and require more information with regard to your travel plans and your personal security [email protected]

Source: Red24

Photo: Alexandria - greatsafaris.com