In rare abduction, 19 hostages, including 11 tourists, seized 19 Sept in southern Gilf-al-Kebir region by unidentified gunmen; reportedly freed 29 Sept after 6 kidnappers killed at border by Sudanese authorities. Egypt claimed attackers criminal, while Sudan blamed Darfur rebel group SLA-Unity. Social tensions continued to simmer, focused on cessation of relief effort for 6 Sept Cairo landslide, which killed over 100, and subsequent arrest of protesting families.

21 Muslim Brotherhood (MB) members arrested 27 Aug for illegal meeting, MB report 40 total arrested in month. Arrests of bloggers, political critics continued, as rumours grew of repressive draft bill on audio-visual media. Local rights group 9 Aug reported govt directive obliging internet cafes to gather users’ personal information. Exiled human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim sentenced in absentia to 2 years in prison for defaming Egypt.

Attempt by Gamal Mubarak aide and MP Ahmed Ezz to amend anti-monopoly bill, backed by trade minister, sparked speculation over govt split. Fierce political debate continued over new child rights law that Muslim Brotherhood (MB) parliamentarians allege breaches Sharia law. Further MB arrests during parliament by-elections: 39 detained including 3 leaders detained in Kafr el-Sheikh late month. Govt claimed further successes in dismantling al-Qaeda networks, arresting over 100 late June; rights groups say cases fabricated. Angry diplomatic exchange followed 22 June forcible closure of Iranian TV station Al-Alam, Cairo, over film glorifying ex-President Sadat’s assassins.

Thousands clashed with police in northern coastal town Burollos 7 June over suspended flour rations; 30 arrests reported. Govt official 10 June said inflation hit 21% in May. Hundreds of Muslims attacked Coptic Christian homes, businesses south of Cairo 20 June over Christian woman’s conversion to Islam; 20 arrested. Incident followed 31 May attack on monastery, leaving 1 Muslim dead and 4 Copts injured. Cairo late June reported discovery of tunnels near Rafah crossing, large weapons cache in Sinai, following Gaza ceasefire agreement (see Israel/OT).

Call for early May general strike over rising living costs largely unheeded, but clashes in bread queues resumed 18 May after Apr violent protests. Govt responded with 30% increase in govt worker salaries, but raised fuel prices 40%. Rising dissatisfaction prompted speculation ruling NDP will withdraw backing for President Mubarak’s son Gamal in 2011 presidential elections. Long-standing emergency law 26 May again extended to 2010, despite 2005 Mubarak promise to replace with anti-terror law.

Continued bread shortages, rising living costs sparked call for general strike and protests in Mahalla al-Kubra city, Cairo and elsewhere 6 Apr: 2 killed and over 50 arrested in ensuing police crackdown. Ruling National Democratic Party won 92% seats in 8 Apr municipal elections. 3% turnout reported after Muslim Brotherhood (MB) boycotted over arrest of 900 members in run-up. Military tribunal 15 Apr sentenced 25 senior MB members up to 10 years for financing terrorism, prompting university protests; 15 acquitted.

Some 100 Muslim Brotherhood (MB) members arrested 4, 31 March in ongoing campaign against potential MB candidates ahead of 8 Apr municipal elections: total detained over 840. Under 10% of group’s candidates able to register due to police, administrative obstructions. Thousands protested in 4 governorates; clashed with police. Many opposition, ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) candidates also blocked, prompting resignation of 4 NDP MPs. Army ordered to increase bread supply after some 15 killed in violence over chronic food shortages. 33 Palestinians held by Egypt after crossing from Gaza in Jan released; Hamas alleged men tortured.

Further Muslim Brotherhood (MB) arrests as authorities continued to target potential candidates for 8 April municipal elections: some 250 rounded up in mid- late Feb raids, 500 now detained. MB leader Mohammed Mahdi Akef 21 Feb vowed group would contest upcoming elections despite crackdown. Several thousand supporters demonstrated in universities ahead of expected 26 Feb military tribunal verdict on trial of 40 senior members, verdict postponed to 25 March.

Over 800 Muslim Brotherhood members rounded up after countrywide pro-Gaza rallies 21-25 Jan; arrests included senior figures. Round-up followed recent targeted raids against Brotherhood members preparing for municipal elections. Palestinians allowed to enter limited area of Sinai after border wall destroyed 23 Jan (see Israel/OPT); at least 300 detained for carrying weapons or during clashes with border guards. Israel urged Egypt to close border. Egypt working with Hamas to restore order; said wants Palestinian Authority to coordinate Palestinian side; but held separate talks with both end month.

Government arrested over 100 Muslim Brotherhood members in month, in apparent warning against participation in spring 2008 elections. 39 Brotherhood members, including Deputy General Guide Khairat al-Shater, remain on trial for belonging to “banned organisation” and running companies to raise funds. Rights group alleged torture used during trial of 22 reported “Victorious Sect” members arrested in April 2006 and accused of plotting terrorist attack. Security forces raided Bedouin homes in Sinai; 5 arrested for allegedly inciting 1 January anti-government protests. Muslim-Coptic Christian unrest in south: at least 7 arrested in riots 12-16 December after reports of attacks on Muslim women.