Egypt court says military cannot arrest civilians

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian court suspended on Tuesday a government decision allowing military police and intelligence to arrest civilians, a setback for the country's military rulers after the decree drew an outcry from opponents who accused them of trying to impose martial law.

The Justice Ministry issued a decree on July 13 that allowed military police and intelligence agents to arrest civilians for even minor offenses such as traffic violations. Rights activists feared the new powers essentially reproduced the country's hated emergency law, which had expired just two weeks earlier after more than 30 years in force. The emergency law granted broad powers of arrest and detention to police that were abused over the years and fed the popular anger that led to last year's uprising.

Critics said the new powers of detention could extend the rule of the generals, even if they transfer power to the elected president by the end of this month as promised.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/article/Egypt-court-says-military-cannot-arrest-civilians-3663502.php

[booley]

1. well that's a good sign

one of the characteristics of a free country is how well the courts side with protecting the rights of the citizens over those in power.

if the military ignores this, they will probably ignite a new arab spring.

[clang1]

2. Yes, I think it is too n/t

[solarman350]

3. The honeymoon is still on...

....I wonder if the Arab Spring will now morph into an "Arab Summer."