Both the Jama'a al-Islamiya and the Muslim Brotherhood's (MB) Freedom and Justice Party issued statements on Monday condemning the extention of the powers of the Emergency Law, describing it as a political burden and a great tragedy. Jama'a al-Islamiya spokesman Tarek al-Zumar said, “Announcing the activation of the Emergency Law is an unexpected step backwards and the beginning of something worse for Egypt , as well as the confiscation of all rights and opinions." Zumar told Al-Masry Al-Yoyum, “The thing we fear most is the possible postponement of the parliamentary elections." He added that addition of new powers to the existing Emergency Law, which was announced by the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on Sunday, is an act of political frivolity that could lead to the return of the state of oppression which led to the 25 January revolution. He continued by saying the Emergency Law would not bring about stability in Egypt. “At a time when we were looking forward to the abolition of the Emergency Law, we are surprised at the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' decision to activate it, abusing its legitimate role by amending the Emergency Law and expand its powers,” said Ahmed Abu Baraka, legal consultant for the Freedom and Justice Party. “This is a tragedy, and it works against the path that has been set out and the way in which the people consented to the transition of authority and the administration of the country,” said Abu Baraka. Translated from the Arabic Edition
