Clampdown on Muslim Brothers continued: at least 20 arrested and 6 senior members accused of money laundering “for terrorist purposes”. 16 senior members, including several held on money laundering charge, released 29 January. New charges against jailed opposition leader Ayman Nour dismissed by Cairo Court; U.S. and rights groups appealed for his release. Case against blogger Abdel Kareem Nabil, accused of sedition and insulting Islam and president, began 18 January. Al-Jazeera journalist released on bail after detention for “fabricated” footage of police torture. Parliament voted in favour of presidential reform package to amend 34 constitutional articles; Muslim Brothers voted against, saying changes “superficial”.

Authorities stepped up clamp down on Muslim Brothers. Massive wave of arrests following release from prison of 2 leading members brought number detained since March to over 1,000. 17 senior members, including deputy leader Khairat el-Shatir, and over 140 students detained after military/martial arts-style display at 10 December Al-Azhar University demonstration. Islamic press also targeted as 5 businessmen arrested, 4 Islamic publishing houses sealed and 20 employees detained 24 December. Officials reportedly brought fresh allegations, including defamation of the president, against former opposition presidential candidate Ayman Nour. President Mubarak asked parliament to amend constitution in 2007.

President Mubarak asked parliament to amend constitution to make it easier for candidates from opposition parties to run for president. Existing article 76, effectively limiting nomination rights to ruling National Democratic party, criticised by opposition as paving way for Mubarak’s son Gamal’s succession. Muslim Brothers called for resignation of Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni after his comment that Islamic veils “regressive” trend. 3 suspected Tawhid wa ‘l-Jihad members sentenced to death and 10 to prison for involvement in October 2004 Taba resort attack.

Authorities arrested 8 Muslim Brothers in Menoufiya 13 October and briefly detained 8 more trying to register as candidates in national trade union elections. 15 Brothers arrested in August, including Secretary-General Mahmoud Ezzat, released 16 October, but group said 62 remained in custody. Government came under fire for religious and intellectual freedom infringements highlighted by confiscation of book on religious extremism by Censorship Office.

Official clampdown on Muslim Brothers continued: over 90 detained in north including 70 in Alexandria. 3 suspected members of Tawhid wa ‘l-Jihad group sentenced to death over involvement in October 2004 Red Sea resort bombings; 3 denied charges. Government announced restart of civilian nuclear power program to meet energy needs after 20-year freeze; U.S. supportive of move. Information minister banned editions of Le Figaro, Frankfurter AZ and Guardian Weekly for publishing articles allegedly insulting Islam.

Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood continued: at least 34 members, including General Secretary Mahmoud Izzet, arrested; court order to release 2 politburo members reversed after state prosecutor appeal. President Mubarak appointed Mamdouh Mara’i, head of constitutional court, as new justice minister in cabinet reshuffle. 1,300 additional police deployed on border to increase security amid heightened Gaza tensions.

New press law approved by parliament 10 July; law still allows for journalists to be jailed for insulting state institutions or defaming officials with corruption allegations despite last minute amendments amidst journalist protests.

Muslim Brotherhood said 110 detained and 10 injured as police broke up demonstration in support of Brotherhood member on trial for weapon charges; 31 later arrested for distributing leaflets. Al-Dustur editor and 2 journalists sentenced to 1-year jail terms for publishing article detailing lawsuit against President Mubarak and family. Trial of 3 journalists, charged with libel after publishing blacklist of judges implicated in election fraud, postponed to September. Mubarak promised “surge in constitutional reforms” in 2007. 24 pro- democracy activists, arrested 8 May, released after state prosecutor order. Police shot dead 2 suspected members of al- Tawhid wa ‘l-Jihad, group accused of April Dahab bombings, 27 June; wife of suspect also killed.

Internal situation remained tense as police beat and detained hundreds of protestors supporting 2 senior judges facing disciplinary action after alleging 2005 election fraud; EU and U.S. condemned police conduct. Hearing cleared Judge Mekki but reprimanded and blocked promotion of Judge Bastawisi. 300 judges staged further protest for judicial independence 25 May. Leader and second-in-command of al- Tawhid wa ‘l-Jihad group, accused of April Dahab bombings, killed during arrest attempts. Court upheld December 2005 5- year conviction of former presidential candidate Ayman Nour on forgery charges, which supporters say are politically motivated. Muslim Brotherhood said 23 members arrested while protesting against extension of 1981 state of emergency.

3 explosions in Dahab resort in Sinai 24 April killed 18. No group claimed responsibility but same organisation that carried out 2004 Taba and 2005 Sharm El-Sheikh attacks suspected: 1 suspect killed during police operation 30 April. 2 suicide bombers killed in further attacks on Multinational Force and Observers post in northern Sinai 26 April. Earlier, sectarian attacks on 3 churches in Alexandria killed 1 and sparked 3 days of protests by Coptic Christians and violent clashes 14-16 April. Hundreds arrested, but government criticised for initially downplaying attacks. 2 judges who had spoken out against irregularities in 2005 parliamentary elections summoned to 27 April disciplinary tribunal; hearing adjourned to 11 May; police arrested and beat activists protesting summoning. Interior ministry announced over 900 Jamaa Islamiyya members released from prison. President Mubarek pushed through parliament 2-year extension on 1981 emergency law allowing indefinite detention of prisoners 30 April. Wafd party survival in balance after factions clashed over leadership in Cairo 1 April following attempt by ousted party president Noman Gomaa to seize party headquarters by force.