CAIRO: A number of legal specialists protested Wednesday in front of the legal specialists' club demanding a response to their previous demands for which they had held a two month-long sit-in in front of the Ministry of Justice in 2009. They were demanding the cancellation of periodic book number eight which allows them to examine case files only inside the courtroom and obligatory appointment at courtroom, amendment to Law 96/1952 as well as better pay and work conditions. A statement issued by the protestors demanded the independence of the Legal Specialists Authority but said they will postpone their demands until the situation calms down. "We offer our expertise in examining corruption cases and presenting neutral reports without extra payment as we feel it is our duty," read the statement. According to their area of expertise, specialists' are consulted on technical aspects in civil and commercial cases, and their feedback is essential in reaching a final verdict. "Although we have been protesting two years ago, but now, as everyone is protesting for sector demands, we feel that it is time to build the country rather than protest and thus we offer our services in investigating corruption cases," said Mohamed Tahoon, a legal specialist. Tahoon said that their demands weren't met despite promises from the ministry and the People's Assembly. Meanwhile, sector protests continued across Egypt. More than 20,000 workers at the Mahalla Spinning Company started an open strike, demanding the dismissal of the commissioner-general, the board's chairman, the head of legal affairs and the head of security department at the company whom they accuse of causing losses amounting to LE 270 million losses over the past two years. They also demand raising bonuses to 300 percent, providing meal allowances, setting a minimum wage of LE 1200 and equality in distributing development incentives and severance packages. Workers at the Helwan and 6th of October quarries went on strike demanding better wages and the appointment of workers on temporary contracts. Employees at manpower administrations protested in front of the ministry to demand the appointment of employees on temporary contracts. According to the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights, Egypt witnessed 209 sit-ins, 135 strikes, 80 demonstrations, 83 protests by workers in 2010, as well as, the suicide of 52 workers while 6662 others have died or were injured as a result of accidents. The fifth communiqué issued by the Supreme Military Council Monday called for sector protests to stop, citing damage to national economy. It asked workers to help create appropriate conditions that allow the transition of power to a civilian state elected by the people.
