CAIRO - Young people are concerned that alleged lawbreakers arrested in Egypt in the wake of the January 25 revolution, which ousted President Mubarak, face trials at military courts with no right of appeal. "Post-revolutionary Egypt must ensure that the steps taken against these alleged violators are fully in accordance with the civil law and legal procedures guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution," says Ahmed Moustafa. Moustafa adds that the constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, including the right to a fair trial before a civil court. Since the fall of the Mubarak regime on February 11, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has arrested hundreds of alleged lawbreakers and offenders, who are tried by military courts that hand them harsh custodial sentences. Mohamed Adel, another young revolutionary, agrees that civilians should not be tried by military courts. Adel has also urged the Government of Essam Sharaf to review the "very large number of offences" punishable by harsh prison terms during the state of emergency, which has been in place since the assassination of president Anwar el-Sadat in 1981. He notes with alarm that the military courts have been given full jurisdiction to try civilians since the January 25 revolution. "There is no guaranteeing these courts' independence and their rulings are not subject to appeal before a higher court," Adel explains. However, many Cairo residents support the Army's swift crackdown on offenders and looters and their being referred to military tribunals since the revolution, in which more than 600 people were killed and 6,000 injured. Haj Moustafa Ismail says that the capital streets were infested by lawbreakers, who exploited the lack of police to plunder shops and terrorise law-abiding citizens. He adds that Cairo streets have now become 'relatively' secure, because the Army has started detaining offenders and looters and referring them to military tribunals that swiftly send them to prison. Moustafa is glad to see criminals and troublemakers being quickly arrested, tried by military courts and sent to prison after the revolution. "The country needs this swift justice to feel secure," he stresses. Mohamed Ismail, another Cairo resident, has also praised the military courts and their speedy rulings, helping secure the capital's streets after the revolution. “These offenders roam the streets, stealing money and goods from shops and houses,” Ismail continues, adding that the military tribunals have helped – to a great extent – to cleanse the streets of hooligans, outlaws and ex-convicts, who threaten householders and steal their valuables and cash. "This has all stopped because the military courts are working harshly and quickly.” Many citizens have been complaining that looting and vandalism are rife. Generally speaking, they are very happy about the Army's presence in the streets, hoping this will prevent the ongoing protests from plunging the country deeper into chaos. Young people, who are generally optimistic that calm is gradually returning to the country, say that security in the streets will improve if everyone works to fight the looters and protect public and private property.
