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Summary: After the resignation of Mubarak in Egypt, mass protests continue across North Africa and the Middle East, where civilians are calling for political reform and for existing regimes to stand down.
Egypt’s Health Ministry has said that at least 356 civilians were killed and 5,500 injured during the country’s 18 days of protests that brought down Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule. Political power has since been handed to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces which is already drafting constitutional amendments. However, women’s groups have criticised the fact that the Council’s members are all male, which they say excludes half of Egyptian society. Rights groups have also pointed out that among the Council members there are no independent, constitutional law experts who enjoy the trust of the general public. Full story. Notably, a prominent Egyptian scientist has called on public figures to support the proposal to collectively award the Nobel Peace Prize to Egyptian young people whose role was integral to the eventual ousting of Mubarak. Read more here. Meanwhile in other parts of the region, anti-government uprisings continue. In Yemen, protests at Sana’a University have entered their seventh day, as students continue demanding that the current government step down on account of allegations of corruption. In the past few days, protesters have been attacked with steel and wooden batons by government supporters and by plainclothes police officers wielding electric tasers, leaving dozens injured. Full story. In Bahrain, anti-government protesters continue to call for political reform and respect for human rights, after two days of violent clashes between police and protesters left at least two civilians dead in the country’s capital Manama. The police has been criticised for its heavy-handed approach to protesters by opening fire on them, as has the country’s king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, for not addressing the demands of the people. Full story. In Libya, protesters calling for an end to President Gaddafi’s 41-year rule have also been attacked by government supporters and security forces that used rubber-coated steel bullets and water canons to break up protests. Police allegedly also fired tear gas and arrested 20 protesters, and injured at least 38 in clashes. While the news network Al Jazeera has been taken off state-owned television. Full story. Meanwhile in Iran, two people were killed and several wounded during violent clashes with riot police on Monday in the country’s capital Tehran, when thousands of opposition members rallied for the first time in over a year. Civilians report that around 1,500 people have been arrested, whereas official figures put the number at 150. Full story. Further Information: