The Egyptian regime is more likely to enforce petty rules to protect its sense of authority than laws that serve the public good and protect people from collapsing buildings, burning trains, etc. The regime's priorities are more concerned about a challenge to its authority than a shipping company's duty of care towards its passengers as was the case in Al-Salam 98 ferry. In his article in The Guardian yesterday, Brian Whiaker compares between the Egyptian authorities dealing with Ayman Nour, the man who dared to run in Egypt's first "free" presidential election without the regime's permission, and Mamdouh Ismail, the owner of Al-Salam 98 Ferry. Compare Nour's treatment with that of Mamdouh Ismail, the owner of a Red Sea ferry which caught fire and sank in 2006 with the loss of more than 1,000 lives. A parliamentary inquiry blamed the ferry company for the disaster and, according to a recovered data recorder, the company had overruled the captain's request to return to port after fire broke out on board. Ismael, a well-connected member of the upper house of parliament, was allowed to flee Egypt – allegedly with help from senior officials. He was tried in his absence two years later along with four others and acquitted of all charges. Meanwhile, the captain of a passing ship which had failed to stop and assist was sentenced to six months in jail.
