CAIRO: The Egyptian government gave the armed forces the authority to arrest civilians on Monday, local media have reported a source from the cabinet as saying. It comes as violence continues on Cairo's Nile River corniche between police and protesters near Tahrir Square. The move to grant the military the ability to arrest civilians is not likely to go over well with activists, especially after thousands of Egyptians were tried in military courts following the removal of Hosni Mubarak from power in February 2012 and the military rule of the country that lasted until President Mohamed Morsi was sworn into power in June last year. The latest violence follows the announcement of a state of emergency by President Mohamed Morsi in all Suez Canal cities for 30 days after days of violence has left over 45 people dead in Port Said, Suez and Ismaileya. “As you all know, I have previously affirmed I am against any exceptional measures but I also affirmed I will take action. And here I am taking action, to stop the bloodshed and maintain security, against rioters and law breakers," Morsi stated, addressing the nation in a televised speech. Morsi imposed curfew in Port Said, Suez, and Ismaileya from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the 30-day state of emergency. The president said that the revolution has deviated from its peaceful course. He saluted policemen and the Armed Forces and extended his condolences to all Egyptians for all the lives lost during the past few days. On Monday, as Egypt awoke to the smell of tear gas across downtown Cairo, police and protesters were continuing to fight along the same bridge that marked the morning of January 28, 2011, as violence has overtaken the country in the past four days. January 28 is expected to be another day of battles as Egyptians appear to be refusing to relent on their demands for change. With Muslim Brotherhood Morsi refusing to acquiesce, the country is bracing for days more of violence. In honor of January 28, 2011, which was dubbed “Friday of Rage" Egyptian activists have issued a statement that includes their demands. The revolutionary powers said that the Egyptian people now know without doubt that they are ruled by a new gang; the Muslim Brotherhood group that seeks power over the entire country and uses all possible methods to break up the opposition, including murder. They accused the current regime of not learning the lesson of Hosni Mubarak's toppled regime, as they still use his methods in adopting violence against the protesters. They added that the rebels continue to offer sacrifices to acquire freedom, more of them fall to martyrdom either through the Brotherhood's militants or the state force. BN
