The Egyptian authorities are intensifying their repressions ahead of the Presidential elections set to occur in 2 weeks, on 10-12 December, as the economic and financial situation in the country remains very complicated. Not only dissents and critics are being targeted, but even peaceful protesters rallying in support of causes “approved” by the government, if they deviate from strict rules, face the consequences of a regime willing to suppress most forms of public political activity. According to Amnesty International, over the past two months, Egyptian authorities have arrested and interrogated at least 196 individuals for spreading “fake news” and taking part in unauthorized political activity. Notably, presidential candidate Ahmed Altantawy and members of his electoral campaign are under prosecution, as well as those who share videos of protests on social media. Most worryingly, however, even pro-Palestinian protesters, who deviated from government-approver rhetoric or gathered in areas not designated for rallies in Cairo, Giza and Alexandria Governorates are facing prosecution. Worryingly, on at least two occasions men in plainclothes, without police badges of chevrons were seen beating up crowds of people, which can be read as a signal that the authorities fear losing control of the crowd.
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