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Egypt's transition plunged into chaos - live updates Egypt's transition plunged into chaos - live updates
(40 minutes later)
4.10pm: Egypt: Shafiq's speech continues. He is making a lot of bold promises which may prove difficult to fulfil. He is officially giving a press conference, though it appears much more like an election rally.
We will protect Egyptian national security and we will help our brothers without giving up any of our rights.
We are not going to send our sons in wars where we don't have any interests.
Security is a guarantee to restore tourism that will provide us with a solid infrastructure.
Security will help us to establish the special economic zone within a new investment plan that will be marketed from the very first moment. We will have new chances for people to work – men and women, girls and boys.
A presidential commissioner will be appointed for Upper Egypt.
We will establish a special economic zone close to Lake Nasser for fishery investment which will be good for all the Nubians. Those people from Egypt are loyal to Egypt. They are described in a bad way but this is complete ignorance.
It is time for the revolution to be concrete reality. Every youth has to have an apartment or house and get it without waiting – 250,000 apartments will be built.
It's the right time to eliminate any exceptions, any favouritism, to achieve equality all over Egypt – no differences. Egyptians will be one before the law, one independent judiciary.
I renew my appreciation to the Egyptian voters of the first round. I am honoured for what you have done for me. I salute and appreciate every member of my campaign all over the country.
3.59pm: Egypt: "I will confront chaos and restore stability in the country," Ahmed Shafiq said at his press conference.
He added:
For those who will be appointed in the government, they will be appointed according to their ability. I pledge a massive project for housing. Youth centres will be all over the place.
I guarantee the right for protesting over the internet or in the squares.
Those who fear the future, those over their thirties, those who think they have lost any chance ... the chances are there. The train hasn't left the station. I will give all the facilities that will enable you to achieve your dreams and have a chance to work.
My great people of Egypt, dear sisters and brothers, I have met with thousands and thousands and I felt their problems, those who lost their jobs. I felt the feelings of a mother ...
We need to build the new country and the new Egypt. I'd like to be the president and the servant of all Egyptians.
I will repeat it. I am going into this election so as to be a servant to all Egyptians.
I am ready to co-operate with everyone. No one will be isolated or banned from doing anything. No opposition will be hurt.
For anyone who knows their religion, their proper religion, you will never be chased by the security forces. Variety is always acceptable, you will never be hurt because of your point of view. The great Egyptian society is tolerant, tolerant.
(Referring to Morsi, he describes him as a partner, not an opponent.)
Despite the campaign against me, I will continue. Despite the papers and the media of the Muslim Brotherhood still continuing claims against me, I will never change my attitudes.
I am repeating this, we need a new page for the sake of reconciliation. Egypt will be for all Egyptians a modern country, a fair country with sustainable development.
Egypt needs leadership and needs a man. When we have security the investments will naturally come to Egypt and we will move on.
3.55pm: Syria: Here's the Foreign Office account of Hague's meeting with Lavrov.
The two Ministers discussed the crisis in Syria. They agreed that the situation in Syria had got worse in all respects since the two Ministers had last met in Moscow on 28 May. The foreign secretary reiterated his welcome in principle for the Russian suggestion of an international conference on Syria, which he had discussed on Monday with joint special envoy Kofi Annan. The foreign secretary said that any such conference should set out the principles of a political process in Syria, including a plan for political transition in Syria and full implementation of the Annan Plan. He underlined British concern that the possibility of Iranian attendance at any such meeting was probably unworkable. It was important that the United Nations Security Council remained seized of the situation in Syria.
The foreign secretary asked Russia to use its full influence on the Syrian regime to ensure a peaceful resolution of the situation through a political process.
3.46pm: Egypt: Today's decision is being seen as "soft coup" by the military, a massive blow to the Muslim Brotherhood, and raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary, says Abdel-Rahman Hussein.
In audio reports from Cairo he said all the gains made by the Muslim Brotherhood appear to be disappearing into thin air.
In the absence of parliament, legislative power reverts back to the military junta that has been ruling Egypt in the transition period. So they [The Muslim Brotherhood] have lost a big junk of what they have gained post revolution.
Many are predicting that today's ruling could help the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi in this weekend's presidential runoff, Abdo said. But he added: "I'm not really sure whether that is going to tip the balance in his favour. The predictions are that it could go either way."
Activists feel the Muslim Brotherhood has sold out the revolution, so they won't get much sympathy from the streets, he said.
What we are looking at, especially if Shafiq wins [the runoff], is a president with executive powers and the military junta that backs him with legislative powers until a new parliament is formed. In that case they will have the complete monopoly on the [formation] of a new constitution
.
Repeated questions are being asked about the independence of the judiciary, Abdo added.
Everyone considers this a politicized verdict tilted towards the state and the military junta. It comes after a series of court cases in a similar vein. The initial constituent assembly was rendered unconstitutional [by the courts] last March. There is a lot of doubt cast on the Egyptian judiciary regarding their independence and where their loyalties lie.
3.45pm: Egypt: Presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq is giving a televised speech which began with the national anthem.3.45pm: Egypt: Presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq is giving a televised speech which began with the national anthem.
He speaks of a "historic ruling" by the court, which will end people using laws from their own purposes. "We will never, from now on, humiliate the laws."He speaks of a "historic ruling" by the court, which will end people using laws from their own purposes. "We will never, from now on, humiliate the laws."
"I call upon all the Egyptian voters to make sure they will practise their right in voting."I call upon all the Egyptian voters to make sure they will practise their right in voting.
"The future of Egypt will be written now. There is no need to use threats in this democratic atmosphere."The future of Egypt will be written now. There is no need to use threats in this democratic atmosphere.
"I am quite sure the electoral process will be totally protected by the armed forces of Egypt and the police of Egypt.""I am quite sure the electoral process will be totally protected by the armed forces of Egypt and the police of Egypt."
(Cheers and chanting from the crowd)(Cheers and chanting from the crowd)
3.35pm: Egypt: Rawya Rageh of al-Jazeera tweets that the ruling military council, Scaf, is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the constitutional court's decision.3.35pm: Egypt: Rawya Rageh of al-Jazeera tweets that the ruling military council, Scaf, is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the constitutional court's decision.
3.32pm: Egypt: The Associated Press is now saying that the whole of the Egyptian parliament has been dissolved:3.32pm: Egypt: The Associated Press is now saying that the whole of the Egyptian parliament has been dissolved:
The Supreme Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that a third of the legislature was elected illegally. As a result, it says in its explanation of the ruling, "the makeup of the entire chamber is illegal and, consequently, it does not legally stand."The Supreme Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that a third of the legislature was elected illegally. As a result, it says in its explanation of the ruling, "the makeup of the entire chamber is illegal and, consequently, it does not legally stand."
The explanation was carried by Egypt's official news agency and confirmed to The Associated Press by one of the court's judges, Maher Sami Youssef. The ruling means that new elections for the entire parliament will have to be held.The explanation was carried by Egypt's official news agency and confirmed to The Associated Press by one of the court's judges, Maher Sami Youssef. The ruling means that new elections for the entire parliament will have to be held.
3.16pm: Egypt: Al-Jazeera claims to have documentary evidence that the entire parliament has been dissolved:3.16pm: Egypt: Al-Jazeera claims to have documentary evidence that the entire parliament has been dissolved:
Al Jazeera's Rawya Rageh has copy of court decision, stating that entire parliament has been dismissed due to electoral violations #EgyptAl Jazeera's Rawya Rageh has copy of court decision, stating that entire parliament has been dismissed due to electoral violations #Egypt
— AJELive (@AJELive) June 14, 2012— AJELive (@AJELive) June 14, 2012
3.13pm: Egyptian politics is prone to exaggeration and panic, Marc Lynch writes in an article for Foreign Policy. Things are often not as desperate as they seem – and yet, "today's moves by the constitutional court on behalf of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces [Scaf] seem difficult to overcome and likely to push Egypt on to a dangerous new path".3.13pm: Egyptian politics is prone to exaggeration and panic, Marc Lynch writes in an article for Foreign Policy. Things are often not as desperate as they seem – and yet, "today's moves by the constitutional court on behalf of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces [Scaf] seem difficult to overcome and likely to push Egypt on to a dangerous new path".
Today's court decision looks like a decisive victory for Scaf but Lynch thinks this is not the end ...Today's court decision looks like a decisive victory for Scaf but Lynch thinks this is not the end ...
It's only the beginning of a new phase of a horribly mismanaged "transition" which is coming to its well-earned end. What's next? A replay of Algeria 1991? A return to January 25, 2011? Back to 1954? A return to the petulant slow fail of latter-days Mubarak? An alien invasion using nano-weapons and trans-Galactic wormholes in the Pyramids?It's only the beginning of a new phase of a horribly mismanaged "transition" which is coming to its well-earned end. What's next? A replay of Algeria 1991? A return to January 25, 2011? Back to 1954? A return to the petulant slow fail of latter-days Mubarak? An alien invasion using nano-weapons and trans-Galactic wormholes in the Pyramids?
Nobody really seems to know ... but I'm pretty sure we're not going to see a return to stable CloneNDP-SCAF rule. Of course, this being Egypt, maybe tomorrow the Court will just overrule itself and we can all go back to normal ...Nobody really seems to know ... but I'm pretty sure we're not going to see a return to stable CloneNDP-SCAF rule. Of course, this being Egypt, maybe tomorrow the Court will just overrule itself and we can all go back to normal ...
2.52pm: Egypt: Abdel-Rahman Hussein in Cairo, reports more confusion on the extent of today's ruling.2.52pm: Egypt: Abdel-Rahman Hussein in Cairo, reports more confusion on the extent of today's ruling.
The court ruled that a third of the seats in both the upper and lower houses were contested in an unconstitutional manner. However, the head of the court has just told Jazeera that the ruling means parliament in its entirety be dissolved.The court ruled that a third of the seats in both the upper and lower houses were contested in an unconstitutional manner. However, the head of the court has just told Jazeera that the ruling means parliament in its entirety be dissolved.
2.42pm: Here's a summary of events so far today:2.42pm: Here's a summary of events so far today:
EgyptEgypt
• Egypt's political transition has been thrown into chaos by a court ruling which dissolves a third of the seats in the new Parliament. The court ruled that the system for electing a third of the MP was unconstitutional.• Egypt's political transition has been thrown into chaos by a court ruling which dissolves a third of the seats in the new Parliament. The court ruled that the system for electing a third of the MP was unconstitutional.
• Former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured left) has been cleared to contest this weekend's presidential run off against the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi (right). The court ruled that banning Shafiq as member of the former regime was unconstitutional. There was a heavy police presence outside the court as activists gathered to protest against the verdict. The Muslim Brotherhood said it accepted the verdict on Shafiq.• Former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured left) has been cleared to contest this weekend's presidential run off against the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi (right). The court ruled that banning Shafiq as member of the former regime was unconstitutional. There was a heavy police presence outside the court as activists gathered to protest against the verdict. The Muslim Brotherhood said it accepted the verdict on Shafiq.
SyriaSyria
• The UK's foreign secretary William Hague has lobbied Russia to back a political transition in Syria. He met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the sidelines of a summit on Afghanistan. Hague signalled that Britain would not attend a Russia-proposed conference on Syria if Iran was invited.• The UK's foreign secretary William Hague has lobbied Russia to back a political transition in Syria. He met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the sidelines of a summit on Afghanistan. Hague signalled that Britain would not attend a Russia-proposed conference on Syria if Iran was invited.
• An army offensive in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor killed at least 11 people after the rebel Free Syrian Army destroyed at least one government tank. "Two rebels were among those killed. The rest of the casualties were mostly civilians," a hospital source told Reuters.• An army offensive in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor killed at least 11 people after the rebel Free Syrian Army destroyed at least one government tank. "Two rebels were among those killed. The rest of the casualties were mostly civilians," a hospital source told Reuters.
• UN monitors have been allowed to inspect the he north-west town of Haffeh, after government forces 'cleared' the area of 'terrorists'. They found the place deserted, after rebels fled the area.• UN monitors have been allowed to inspect the he north-west town of Haffeh, after government forces 'cleared' the area of 'terrorists'. They found the place deserted, after rebels fled the area.
• Amnesty International has documented fresh evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes being perpetrated as part of state policy, based on the more than 200 interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families. Donatella Rovera, who spent several weeks undercover in Syria conducting the research, urged the UN to take decisive action to stop attacks against civilians.• Amnesty International has documented fresh evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes being perpetrated as part of state policy, based on the more than 200 interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families. Donatella Rovera, who spent several weeks undercover in Syria conducting the research, urged the UN to take decisive action to stop attacks against civilians.
BahrainBahrain
• Convictions against nine Bahraini doctors accused of playing leading roles in anti-government protests last year have been quashed and sentences against nine others downgraded by an appeals court. In a contentious ruling that follows widespread international condemnation of the medics' trials, one senior orthopedic surgeon, Ali al-Akri, still faces five years' imprisonment, while another, Ibrahim al-Dimistani, has been sentenced to three years.• Convictions against nine Bahraini doctors accused of playing leading roles in anti-government protests last year have been quashed and sentences against nine others downgraded by an appeals court. In a contentious ruling that follows widespread international condemnation of the medics' trials, one senior orthopedic surgeon, Ali al-Akri, still faces five years' imprisonment, while another, Ibrahim al-Dimistani, has been sentenced to three years.
2.40pm: Egypt: A few reactions to the latest developments, starting with a joke ...2.40pm: Egypt: A few reactions to the latest developments, starting with a joke ...
So three Egyptian MPs walk into a bar, but only two walk out.So three Egyptian MPs walk into a bar, but only two walk out.
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) June 14, 2012— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) June 14, 2012
Egypt needs to stop talking about a revolution and have one already.Egypt needs to stop talking about a revolution and have one already.
— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012
No parliament, no constitution, no president - welcome to Egypt February 12, 2011.No parliament, no constitution, no president - welcome to Egypt February 12, 2011.
— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) June 14, 2012— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) June 14, 2012
So, either the endgame of the worst transition ever or of the best power play ever. #EgyptSo, either the endgame of the worst transition ever or of the best power play ever. #Egypt
— Andy El-Zayaty (@Fauxgyptian) June 14, 2012— Andy El-Zayaty (@Fauxgyptian) June 14, 2012
2.19pm: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood will give press conference about today's ruling this evening.2.19pm: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood will give press conference about today's ruling this evening.
It's official Twitter feed sent out this:It's official Twitter feed sent out this:
Press conference tonight 6:00PM at #Morsi campaign HQ, 38 el Mansour St, Tahrir, to discuss latest Supreme Court decisions #EgyPresElecPress conference tonight 6:00PM at #Morsi campaign HQ, 38 el Mansour St, Tahrir, to discuss latest Supreme Court decisions #EgyPresElec
— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) June 14, 2012
2.06pm:Egypt: Just to clarify state TV has retracted that claim that a court source said the verdict means the whole parliament is void.2.06pm:Egypt: Just to clarify state TV has retracted that claim that a court source said the verdict means the whole parliament is void.
The Arabist puts us right:The Arabist puts us right:
OK so State TV now correcting itself, saying only 1/3 seats invalid, not whole parl.OK so State TV now correcting itself, saying only 1/3 seats invalid, not whole parl.
— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012
If it's correct that only one-third of the Egyptian parliament has been dissolved, that still leaves a major problem.If it's correct that only one-third of the Egyptian parliament has been dissolved, that still leaves a major problem.
The Arabist also points out that article 32 of the constitutional declaration says the People's Assembly (parliament) must have at least 350 members – but as a result of today's decision it now has only 332. It appears, therefore, that the parliament will be paralysed until the vacancies have been filled.The Arabist also points out that article 32 of the constitutional declaration says the People's Assembly (parliament) must have at least 350 members – but as a result of today's decision it now has only 332. It appears, therefore, that the parliament will be paralysed until the vacancies have been filled.
2.01pm: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood said it would accept the verdict on Shafiq but declined to comment on the decision to dissolve a third of the parliament, Reuters reports.2.01pm: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood said it would accept the verdict on Shafiq but declined to comment on the decision to dissolve a third of the parliament, Reuters reports.
Asked about the Shafiq verdict verdict Mahmoud Ghozlan, spokesman for the Brotherhood, said: "It's a reality now, and we must deal with it as such."Asked about the Shafiq verdict verdict Mahmoud Ghozlan, spokesman for the Brotherhood, said: "It's a reality now, and we must deal with it as such."
In a separate ruling, the constitutional court ruled as unconstitutional some of the rules that governed a parliamentary election that returned an Islamist-dominated chamber.In a separate ruling, the constitutional court ruled as unconstitutional some of the rules that governed a parliamentary election that returned an Islamist-dominated chamber.
Essam el-Erian, a senior Brotherhood MP, declined to comment on the ruling until he had seen the full details. The ruling declared as void one third of the seats in the chamber.Essam el-Erian, a senior Brotherhood MP, declined to comment on the ruling until he had seen the full details. The ruling declared as void one third of the seats in the chamber.
1.57pm: Egypt: Marc Lynch director of Washington's Institute for Middle East Studies sums up the situation following today's rulings.1.57pm: Egypt: Marc Lynch director of Washington's Institute for Middle East Studies sums up the situation following today's rulings.
So basically that's it for Egypt's epic screwup of a transition. No Parliament, no constitution, divisive Presidential election.So basically that's it for Egypt's epic screwup of a transition. No Parliament, no constitution, divisive Presidential election.
— Marc Lynch (@abuaardvark) June 14, 2012— Marc Lynch (@abuaardvark) June 14, 2012
1.50pm: So far the anti-Shafiq protests outside the court are relatively small.1.50pm: So far the anti-Shafiq protests outside the court are relatively small.
Crowd of a few dozen chanting against Shafik outside SCC. Central security forces and APCs watch behind barbed wire twitter.com/sharifkouddous…Crowd of a few dozen chanting against Shafik outside SCC. Central security forces and APCs watch behind barbed wire twitter.com/sharifkouddous…
— Sharif Kouddous (@sharifkouddous) June 14, 2012— Sharif Kouddous (@sharifkouddous) June 14, 2012
1.48pm: Egyptian state TV, citing a constitutional court source, is saying that the parliamentary election held earlier this year is now completely void – not just the one-third of members who are ruled to have been elected unconstitutionally.1.48pm: Egyptian state TV, citing a constitutional court source, is saying that the parliamentary election held earlier this year is now completely void – not just the one-third of members who are ruled to have been elected unconstitutionally.
1.35pm: Egypt: The security services are anticipating protests at the court's decision to allow former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured) to contest this weekend's presidential runoff, against the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi.1.35pm: Egypt: The security services are anticipating protests at the court's decision to allow former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured) to contest this weekend's presidential runoff, against the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi.
Sky's James Birtles tweets:Sky's James Birtles tweets:
Troops outside cairo court running to protest line. Crowds angry here to decision keeping Shafiq in race. twitter.com/SkyNewsEd/stat…Troops outside cairo court running to protest line. Crowds angry here to decision keeping Shafiq in race. twitter.com/SkyNewsEd/stat…
— James Birtles (@SkyNewsEd) June 14, 2012— James Birtles (@SkyNewsEd) June 14, 2012
Cairo-based journalist Sarah El Sirgany tweets:Cairo-based journalist Sarah El Sirgany tweets:
One woman trying to lead chants of ' to the square'One woman trying to lead chants of ' to the square'
— Sarah El Sirgany (@Ssirgany) June 14, 2012— Sarah El Sirgany (@Ssirgany) June 14, 2012
1.31pm: Egypt: Today's ruling from the constitutional court means than fresh elections will have to be held for at least one-third of the parliament. The members who have lost their seats are predominantly from the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, and the Salafist Nour Party.1.31pm: Egypt: Today's ruling from the constitutional court means than fresh elections will have to be held for at least one-third of the parliament. The members who have lost their seats are predominantly from the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, and the Salafist Nour Party.
An administrative court said in February that the rules employed at the last election were unconstitutional – and the constitutional court has now backed its decision. In the parliamentary vote, two-thirds of seats were allocated to parties and the rest to individuals who were supposed to be independent of any party.An administrative court said in February that the rules employed at the last election were unconstitutional – and the constitutional court has now backed its decision. In the parliamentary vote, two-thirds of seats were allocated to parties and the rest to individuals who were supposed to be independent of any party.
The administrative court judge said political parties should not have been allowed to run for the individual seats. He also said half, rather than a third, of the seats should have been apportioned to individuals.The administrative court judge said political parties should not have been allowed to run for the individual seats. He also said half, rather than a third, of the seats should have been apportioned to individuals.
"If it is proven that the election rules were flawed or unconstitutional, then the entire election process is void," Judge Gamal said. "It would mean that this parliament is unconstitutional, illegitimate and must be dissolved.""If it is proven that the election rules were flawed or unconstitutional, then the entire election process is void," Judge Gamal said. "It would mean that this parliament is unconstitutional, illegitimate and must be dissolved."
Although the ruling from the administrative court implied that fresh elections would be required for the entire parliament, first impressions of the constitutional court's decision are that only one-third of the parliament will have to be re-elected.Although the ruling from the administrative court implied that fresh elections would be required for the entire parliament, first impressions of the constitutional court's decision are that only one-third of the parliament will have to be re-elected.
In the meantime, some are suggesting that parliament will be unable to function.In the meantime, some are suggesting that parliament will be unable to function.
1.28pm: The Muslim Brotherhood's share of the seats in the new Parliament has been substantially cut, according to the Arabist.1.28pm: The Muslim Brotherhood's share of the seats in the new Parliament has been substantially cut, according to the Arabist.
FJP had 47.2% of seats. Now it has 38.25% according to my back-of-the-envelope calculationFJP had 47.2% of seats. Now it has 38.25% according to my back-of-the-envelope calculation
— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012— arabist (@arabist) June 14, 2012
The ruling will mean that a third of the seats in parliament - the ones run on a single winner system - will have to be re-contested, according to our Cairo stringer Abdel-Rahman Hussein.The ruling will mean that a third of the seats in parliament - the ones run on a single winner system - will have to be re-contested, according to our Cairo stringer Abdel-Rahman Hussein.
1.15pm: Egypt's presidential election will go ahead as planned this weekend. The Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled that Ahmed Shafiq's candidacy is valid.1.15pm: Egypt's presidential election will go ahead as planned this weekend. The Supreme Constitutional Court has ruled that Ahmed Shafiq's candidacy is valid.
However, the court has also upheld an earlier court ruling that one-third of the members of parliament were elected unconstitutionally.However, the court has also upheld an earlier court ruling that one-third of the members of parliament were elected unconstitutionally.
..
12.46pm: Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has adjourned for the judges to consider their verdict. They are expected to announce their decision this afternoon, Ahram Online reports.12.46pm: Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has adjourned for the judges to consider their verdict. They are expected to announce their decision this afternoon, Ahram Online reports.
12.24pm: The UK's foreign secretary William Hague has lobbied Russia to back a political transition in Syria.12.24pm: The UK's foreign secretary William Hague has lobbied Russia to back a political transition in Syria.
He met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the sidelines of a summit on Afghanistan.He met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the sidelines of a summit on Afghanistan.
Held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on crisis in #Syria & proposal for international conference on Annan plan & transitionHeld talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on crisis in #Syria & proposal for international conference on Annan plan & transition
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) June 14, 2012— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) June 14, 2012
11.59am: Syria: An army offensive in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor killed at least 11 people after the rebel Free Syrian Army destroyed at least one government tank.11.59am: Syria: An army offensive in the eastern city of Deir Ezzor killed at least 11 people after the rebel Free Syrian Army destroyed at least one government tank.
Activists uploaded footage purporting to show the remains of a tank in the city.Activists uploaded footage purporting to show the remains of a tank in the city.
An overnight barrage from nearby hills followed the withdrawal of hundreds of troops backed by tanks that had entered the city on Wednesday to root out rebels, sources told Reuters.An overnight barrage from nearby hills followed the withdrawal of hundreds of troops backed by tanks that had entered the city on Wednesday to root out rebels, sources told Reuters.
"Deir Ezzor was hit by a few artillery rounds during the first army attack on the city back in August, but this is the first time we have seen sustained shelling," said a source at a hospital in the city, who spoke on condition of anonymity."Deir Ezzor was hit by a few artillery rounds during the first army attack on the city back in August, but this is the first time we have seen sustained shelling," said a source at a hospital in the city, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"Two rebels were among those killed. The rest of the casualties were mostly civilians.""Two rebels were among those killed. The rest of the casualties were mostly civilians."
The shelling damaged dozens of houses on Port Saeed street and in the al-Jubeila neighbourhood, where a Ministry of Finance department building was hit, opposition campaigners said.The shelling damaged dozens of houses on Port Saeed street and in the al-Jubeila neighbourhood, where a Ministry of Finance department building was hit, opposition campaigners said.
Two rounds fell on the site of regular rallies against Assad in the al-Hamidiyeh neighbourhood, but no protesters were there, the sources said.Two rounds fell on the site of regular rallies against Assad in the al-Hamidiyeh neighbourhood, but no protesters were there, the sources said.
Insurgents fought back against the ground offensive on Wednesday with rocket-propelled grenades, hitting four armoured vehicles. Saleh al-Shohat, a rebel commander, was killed by tank fire, they said.Insurgents fought back against the ground offensive on Wednesday with rocket-propelled grenades, hitting four armoured vehicles. Saleh al-Shohat, a rebel commander, was killed by tank fire, they said.
The activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria reported heavy fire on Al-Nahr Street.The activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria reported heavy fire on Al-Nahr Street.
11.41am: Egypt: Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the Supreme Constitutional Court in the Cairo neighborhood of Maadi, the Egypt Independent reports.11.41am: Egypt: Dozens of protesters have gathered outside the Supreme Constitutional Court in the Cairo neighborhood of Maadi, the Egypt Independent reports.
The protesters chanted to demand the court uphold the Political Isolation Law, which would likely disqualify former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq from the presidential runoff scheduled for Saturday and Sunday ...The protesters chanted to demand the court uphold the Political Isolation Law, which would likely disqualify former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq from the presidential runoff scheduled for Saturday and Sunday ...
Traffic on the Nile Corniche was paralysed, with cars lined up for several kilometers, prompting police to redirect vehicles to alternative routes.Traffic on the Nile Corniche was paralysed, with cars lined up for several kilometers, prompting police to redirect vehicles to alternative routes.
The judges arrived at the court guarded by police and army forces at 9am. Tight security measures were enforced in the surrounding area and hundreds of soldiers and Central Security Forces, with their armoured vehicles, lined up around the court.The judges arrived at the court guarded by police and army forces at 9am. Tight security measures were enforced in the surrounding area and hundreds of soldiers and Central Security Forces, with their armoured vehicles, lined up around the court.
11.23am: Tunisia: Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has called for demonstrations tomorrow to "protect the revolution and things considered sacred".11.23am: Tunisia: Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has called for demonstrations tomorrow to "protect the revolution and things considered sacred".
Tunisia Online says representatives of other political parties have been trying to persuade him to call off the protests, for fear they could lead to clashes with religious extremists.Tunisia Online says representatives of other political parties have been trying to persuade him to call off the protests, for fear they could lead to clashes with religious extremists.
Selim Abu Ahmed Ayoub, a prominent Tunisian Islamist who announced a "holy war" against the Ennahda-led government, has also called for protests tomorrow.Selim Abu Ahmed Ayoub, a prominent Tunisian Islamist who announced a "holy war" against the Ennahda-led government, has also called for protests tomorrow.
Ennahda has also come under fire from al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. In an audio message posted online last Sunday, Zawahiri said:Ennahda has also come under fire from al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. In an audio message posted online last Sunday, Zawahiri said:
The leaders of the Ennahda party claim to be a part of what they call moderate, enlightened Islam. Well, let them call themselves whatever they want, but they are ... one of the symptoms of our civilisational diseases.The leaders of the Ennahda party claim to be a part of what they call moderate, enlightened Islam. Well, let them call themselves whatever they want, but they are ... one of the symptoms of our civilisational diseases.
Ghannouchi shrugged it off, saying "Zawahiri does not have any influence in our country."Ghannouchi shrugged it off, saying "Zawahiri does not have any influence in our country."
10.58am: The Palestinian cause "has always been and will remain the compass for the Syrian people", President Assad said yesterday according to a report from the government news agency, Sana.10.58am: The Palestinian cause "has always been and will remain the compass for the Syrian people", President Assad said yesterday according to a report from the government news agency, Sana.
He was meeting a delegation from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command, led by its secretary-general Ahmad Jibril.He was meeting a delegation from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command, led by its secretary-general Ahmad Jibril.
Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the violations that are being daily committed by the Israeli occupation forces ...Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the violations that are being daily committed by the Israeli occupation forces ...
Discussion also touched upon the situation in Syria, with Jibril stressing that the Front stands by Syria who has always stood by the Palestinian people and the national resistance movements.Discussion also touched upon the situation in Syria, with Jibril stressing that the Front stands by Syria who has always stood by the Palestinian people and the national resistance movements.
The Assad regime's claims to legitimacy are largely based on resistance to Israel – which some argue is a reason not to support the uprising in Syria. In an article for the Lebanese al-Akhbar yesterday, Amal Saad-Ghorayeb wrote:The Assad regime's claims to legitimacy are largely based on resistance to Israel – which some argue is a reason not to support the uprising in Syria. In an article for the Lebanese al-Akhbar yesterday, Amal Saad-Ghorayeb wrote:
The real litmus [test] of Arab intellectuals' and activists' commitment to the Palestinian cause is no longer their support for Palestinian rights, but rather, their support for the Assad leadership's struggle against the imperialist-Zionist-Arab moderate axis' onslaught against it.The real litmus [test] of Arab intellectuals' and activists' commitment to the Palestinian cause is no longer their support for Palestinian rights, but rather, their support for the Assad leadership's struggle against the imperialist-Zionist-Arab moderate axis' onslaught against it.
Supporting Assad's struggle against this multi-pronged assault is supporting Palestine today because Syria has become the new front line of the war between Empire and those resisting it.Supporting Assad's struggle against this multi-pronged assault is supporting Palestine today because Syria has become the new front line of the war between Empire and those resisting it.
The article was widely criticised on Twitter, and there is a response to it on the Maysaloon blog.The article was widely criticised on Twitter, and there is a response to it on the Maysaloon blog.
10.50am: Syria: UN monitors have arrived in the town of the north-west town of Haffeh, after government forces 'cleared' the area of 'terrorists'.10.50am: Syria: UN monitors have arrived in the town of the north-west town of Haffeh, after government forces 'cleared' the area of 'terrorists'.
On Tuesday Assad supporters prevented monitors reaching the besieged town, and they were shot at as they left.On Tuesday Assad supporters prevented monitors reaching the besieged town, and they were shot at as they left.
10.32am: Iran's state media has been blamed for mistranslating Lavrov's reported claim about the US arming the Syrian opposition, Bloomberg reports.10.32am: Iran's state media has been blamed for mistranslating Lavrov's reported claim about the US arming the Syrian opposition, Bloomberg reports.
Iran's state-run Mehr news agency had Lavrov saying:Iran's state-run Mehr news agency had Lavrov saying:
Unlike the US, which supplies arms to the Syrian opposition that can be used against the Syrian government, we don't take such action.Unlike the US, which supplies arms to the Syrian opposition that can be used against the Syrian government, we don't take such action.
Audio recording reveal that what he actually said was:Audio recording reveal that what he actually said was:
We aren't shipping to Syria or anywhere else things that can be used against peaceful demonstrators. Unlike the United States, for example, which regularly delivers such special equipment to the region, including a recent delivery to one of the countries of the Persian Gulf.We aren't shipping to Syria or anywhere else things that can be used against peaceful demonstrators. Unlike the United States, for example, which regularly delivers such special equipment to the region, including a recent delivery to one of the countries of the Persian Gulf.
10.21am: Russia's foreign ministry has repeated Sergei Lavrov's denials about arming Syria, but it has again underlined that it does not back the Assad regime "but the fundamentals of state".10.21am: Russia's foreign ministry has repeated Sergei Lavrov's denials about arming Syria, but it has again underlined that it does not back the Assad regime "but the fundamentals of state".
It's a distinction that suggests Moscow may be open to backing the so-called "Yemenski Variant" - named after a Gulf brokered deal to remove Yemen's president Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for granting him immunity from prosecution.It's a distinction that suggests Moscow may be open to backing the so-called "Yemenski Variant" - named after a Gulf brokered deal to remove Yemen's president Ali Abdullah Saleh in return for granting him immunity from prosecution.
Sergey #Lavrov: Russia does not supply #Syria or any other country with special equipment that is used against peaceful protestersSergey #Lavrov: Russia does not supply #Syria or any other country with special equipment that is used against peaceful protesters
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 14, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 14, 2012
#Lavrov: It is not the #Syrian regime that Russia supports but the fundamentals of state, which are cornerstones of stability in the region#Lavrov: It is not the #Syrian regime that Russia supports but the fundamentals of state, which are cornerstones of stability in the region
— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 14, 2012— MFA Russia (@MFA_Russia) June 14, 2012
10.12am: Egypt: The post-Mubarak transition could be doubly derailed today – and we should know in a couple of hours or so. The Supreme Constitutional Court is meeting to consider whether former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq is legally qualified to stand in the presidential election this weekend, and also whether the recent parliamentary election was legally valid.10.12am: Egypt: The post-Mubarak transition could be doubly derailed today – and we should know in a couple of hours or so. The Supreme Constitutional Court is meeting to consider whether former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq is legally qualified to stand in the presidential election this weekend, and also whether the recent parliamentary election was legally valid.
There are various possible outcomes, which Zeinobia discusses on her Egyptian Chronicles blog, though almost everyone expects the court's decision to be driven more by politics than strict legal niceties.There are various possible outcomes, which Zeinobia discusses on her Egyptian Chronicles blog, though almost everyone expects the court's decision to be driven more by politics than strict legal niceties.
According to legal expert Ibrahim Yousry, quoted by Ahram Online, "it is unlikely the verdicts will mean halting the elections and reversing the democratic process because that may have serious consequences". More likely, Yousry says, these potential verdicts are being used as negotiating cards with Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate in the presidential election.According to legal expert Ibrahim Yousry, quoted by Ahram Online, "it is unlikely the verdicts will mean halting the elections and reversing the democratic process because that may have serious consequences". More likely, Yousry says, these potential verdicts are being used as negotiating cards with Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate in the presidential election.
Ahram Online continues:Ahram Online continues:
Political analyst Ibrahim El-Hodeiby believes the most likely scenario is that nothing will be changed, as the Disenfranchisement Law [excluding Shafiq from the presidential election] would be considered unconstitutional and the parliamentary elections constitutional.Political analyst Ibrahim El-Hodeiby believes the most likely scenario is that nothing will be changed, as the Disenfranchisement Law [excluding Shafiq from the presidential election] would be considered unconstitutional and the parliamentary elections constitutional.
"I think Shafiq will become president and the Brotherhood will be offered the government instead. That way the Brotherhood will be made responsible for three difficult issues including the gas cylinders crisis, the shortage of bread and the shortage of gasoline," El-Hodeiby speculated."I think Shafiq will become president and the Brotherhood will be offered the government instead. That way the Brotherhood will be made responsible for three difficult issues including the gas cylinders crisis, the shortage of bread and the shortage of gasoline," El-Hodeiby speculated.
"In other words, the deep state [military, secret service and media] will work to make the Brotherhood lose popular support. The Brotherhood will agree to this deal because they do not want to be responsible for the presidency.""In other words, the deep state [military, secret service and media] will work to make the Brotherhood lose popular support. The Brotherhood will agree to this deal because they do not want to be responsible for the presidency."
10.00am: Bahrain: AP has the latest on mixed fate of medics accuses of treating protesters in last year's uprising.10.00am: Bahrain: AP has the latest on mixed fate of medics accuses of treating protesters in last year's uprising.
A defense lawyer in Bahrain says a court has sentenced nine medical professionals to prison terms ranging from five years to one month in a retrial on charges of aiding the Gulf kingdom's uprising.A defense lawyer in Bahrain says a court has sentenced nine medical professionals to prison terms ranging from five years to one month in a retrial on charges of aiding the Gulf kingdom's uprising.
Lawyer Jalila al-Sayed says nine other doctors and nurses were cleared of charges Thursday. Fifteen-year sentences against two doctors who fled Bahrain also stood.Lawyer Jalila al-Sayed says nine other doctors and nurses were cleared of charges Thursday. Fifteen-year sentences against two doctors who fled Bahrain also stood.
The 20-member group had been sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 years by a now-disbanded security tribunal, which was set up by the Sunni monarchy as part of crackdowns against Shiite-led protests that began 16 months ago.The 20-member group had been sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 years by a now-disbanded security tribunal, which was set up by the Sunni monarchy as part of crackdowns against Shiite-led protests that began 16 months ago.
A retrial in civilian court was ordered earlier this year. Bahrain authorities accused staff at the state-run Salmaniya Hospital of siding with protesters. Medical personnel deny the allegations.A retrial in civilian court was ordered earlier this year. Bahrain authorities accused staff at the state-run Salmaniya Hospital of siding with protesters. Medical personnel deny the allegations.
Commenting on the mixed verdicts activist Ala'a Shehabi tweeted:Commenting on the mixed verdicts activist Ala'a Shehabi tweeted:
Medics trial is microcosm of govt's half-measures for PR, perpetuating crisis, avoiding a resolution thru justice & accountability #bahrainMedics trial is microcosm of govt's half-measures for PR, perpetuating crisis, avoiding a resolution thru justice & accountability #bahrain
— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) June 14, 2012— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) June 14, 2012
Activist Mohammed Ashoor tweeted:Activist Mohammed Ashoor tweeted:
I'm happy for the doctors proved innocent but justice is still not fully done. All of them are innocent. #BahrainI'm happy for the doctors proved innocent but justice is still not fully done. All of them are innocent. #Bahrain
— Mohammed Ashoor (@MohmdAshoor) June 14, 2012— Mohammed Ashoor (@MohmdAshoor) June 14, 2012
9.49am: "Virtually everyone I met [in Syria] asked one thing and that was 'why is the world not doing anything to help us?'" said Amnesty's senior crisis response adviser Donatella Rovera.9.49am: "Virtually everyone I met [in Syria] asked one thing and that was 'why is the world not doing anything to help us?'" said Amnesty's senior crisis response adviser Donatella Rovera.
Speaking in a video to accompany Amnesty's new report, she added: "Everyday I saw people being killed and injured."Speaking in a video to accompany Amnesty's new report, she added: "Everyday I saw people being killed and injured."
9.43am: China has again signalled its backing for Syria.9.43am: China has again signalled its backing for Syria.
China's foreign ministry said it does not approve of excessive reliance on pressure or sanctions to address the crisis, al-Jazeera reports.China's foreign ministry said it does not approve of excessive reliance on pressure or sanctions to address the crisis, al-Jazeera reports.
SyriaSyria
• Amnesty International has documented fresh evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes being perpetrated as part of state policy, based on the more than 200 interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families. Donatella Rovera, who spent several weeks undercover in Syria conducting the research, urged the UN to take decisive action to stop attacks civilians.• Amnesty International has documented fresh evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes being perpetrated as part of state policy, based on the more than 200 interviews with eyewitnesses, victims and their families. Donatella Rovera, who spent several weeks undercover in Syria conducting the research, urged the UN to take decisive action to stop attacks civilians.
For more than a year the UN Security Council has dithered, while a human rights crisis unfolded in Syria. It must now break the impasse and take concrete action to end to these violations and to hold to account those responsible.For more than a year the UN Security Council has dithered, while a human rights crisis unfolded in Syria. It must now break the impasse and take concrete action to end to these violations and to hold to account those responsible.
The report calls on Russia and China to halt arms sales to Syria and for Assad regime to be referred to the international criminal court.The report calls on Russia and China to halt arms sales to Syria and for Assad regime to be referred to the international criminal court.
• A bus bomb has exploded in the capital Damascus, the state news agency Sana reported. Security reinforcement rushed to the area, and heavy gunfire was heard afterwards, an activist in the city said.• A bus bomb has exploded in the capital Damascus, the state news agency Sana reported. Security reinforcement rushed to the area, and heavy gunfire was heard afterwards, an activist in the city said.
• The US has alleged that Russian-made weapons are killing Syrians on "an hourly basis" as the accusations fly between Washington and Moscow over arms supplied to Syria. In the face of a strong denial from the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, stood by her assertion that Russian attack helicopters are on their way to Syria.• The US has alleged that Russian-made weapons are killing Syrians on "an hourly basis" as the accusations fly between Washington and Moscow over arms supplied to Syria. In the face of a strong denial from the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, stood by her assertion that Russian attack helicopters are on their way to Syria.
Here's a run-down of the diplomatic ding-dong so far:Here's a run-down of the diplomatic ding-dong so far:
Clinton: "They have, from time to time, said that we shouldn't worry, [that] everything they're shipping is unrelated to [Syria's] actions internally. That's patently untrue, and we are concerned about the latest information we have that there are attack helicopters on the way from Russia to Syria which will escalate the conflict quite dramatically."Clinton: "They have, from time to time, said that we shouldn't worry, [that] everything they're shipping is unrelated to [Syria's] actions internally. That's patently untrue, and we are concerned about the latest information we have that there are attack helicopters on the way from Russia to Syria which will escalate the conflict quite dramatically."
Lavrov: "We are not delivering to Syria, or anywhere else, items that could be used against peaceful demonstrators. In this we differ from the United States, which regularly delivers riot control equipment to the region, including a recent delivery to a Persian Gulf country [Bahrain]. But for some reason the Americans consider this to be fine ... [The US is] providing arms and weapons to the Syrian opposition that can be used in fighting against the Damascus government."Lavrov: "We are not delivering to Syria, or anywhere else, items that could be used against peaceful demonstrators. In this we differ from the United States, which regularly delivers riot control equipment to the region, including a recent delivery to a Persian Gulf country [Bahrain]. But for some reason the Americans consider this to be fine ... [The US is] providing arms and weapons to the Syrian opposition that can be used in fighting against the Damascus government."
Clinton: "We have repeatedly urged the Russian Government to cut these military ties completely and to suspend all further support and deliveries. Obviously, we know [Russia is supplying helicopters], because they confirm that they continue to deliver .. The United States has provided no military support to the Syrian opposition, none. All of our support has been medical and humanitarian to help relieve the suffering of the Syrian people, a total of $52m so far. We have also provided nonlethal support to the opposition, including things like communications gear."Clinton: "We have repeatedly urged the Russian Government to cut these military ties completely and to suspend all further support and deliveries. Obviously, we know [Russia is supplying helicopters], because they confirm that they continue to deliver .. The United States has provided no military support to the Syrian opposition, none. All of our support has been medical and humanitarian to help relieve the suffering of the Syrian people, a total of $52m so far. We have also provided nonlethal support to the opposition, including things like communications gear."
• The helicopters on their way from Russia to Syria maybe not be new, officials and analyst have told the New York Times.• The helicopters on their way from Russia to Syria maybe not be new, officials and analyst have told the New York Times.
What Clinton did not say, however, was whether the aircraft were new shipments or, as administration officials say is more likely, helicopters that Syria had sent to Russia a few months ago for routine repairs and refurbishing, and which were now about to be returned.What Clinton did not say, however, was whether the aircraft were new shipments or, as administration officials say is more likely, helicopters that Syria had sent to Russia a few months ago for routine repairs and refurbishing, and which were now about to be returned.
• The UN has backtracked on the claims by its peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous that Syria has descended into civil, Foreign Policy reports. It quotes a spokesman for UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon as saying: "it's clear it's not for us to determine or formally characterize the nature of the conflict in Syria."• The UN has backtracked on the claims by its peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous that Syria has descended into civil, Foreign Policy reports. It quotes a spokesman for UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon as saying: "it's clear it's not for us to determine or formally characterize the nature of the conflict in Syria."
• France insists the crisis is a civil war and that all means, including force, should be used under international supervision to help restore peace, the Wall Street Journal reports. French foreign minister Laurent Fabius said he would propose that the UN security council vote on a resolution giving UN members a mandate to intervene in Syria, possibly as part of a military operation.• France insists the crisis is a civil war and that all means, including force, should be used under international supervision to help restore peace, the Wall Street Journal reports. French foreign minister Laurent Fabius said he would propose that the UN security council vote on a resolution giving UN members a mandate to intervene in Syria, possibly as part of a military operation.
• Russia's position on Syria is "shocking, mendacious and indefensible," but Moscow will have to bargained with to find a solution to the crisis, according to Timothy Garton Ash.• Russia's position on Syria is "shocking, mendacious and indefensible," but Moscow will have to bargained with to find a solution to the crisis, according to Timothy Garton Ash.
Have they no other national interests, which might eventually outweigh this one? Now that's a question worth asking. If we are really serious about our commitment to stopping the slaughter in Syria, we in the west have to consider if there are any larger carrots and sticks we can still show Russia, even at some cost to ourselves, so as to achieve a shift in its position.Have they no other national interests, which might eventually outweigh this one? Now that's a question worth asking. If we are really serious about our commitment to stopping the slaughter in Syria, we in the west have to consider if there are any larger carrots and sticks we can still show Russia, even at some cost to ourselves, so as to achieve a shift in its position.
EgyptEgypt
• The future of Egypt's political transition hangs in the balance as the country awaits a court verdict on the constitutionality of both the new parliament and the presidential election, Ahram online reports. The High Constitutional Court is due to rule on two cases. The first could dissolve the new parliament on the grounds that the way MPs were elected was unconstitutional. The second could disqualify former prime Ahmed Shafiq as a candidate in the this weekend's president runoff on the grounds that as a member of the former regime he is prohibited from standing.• The future of Egypt's political transition hangs in the balance as the country awaits a court verdict on the constitutionality of both the new parliament and the presidential election, Ahram online reports. The High Constitutional Court is due to rule on two cases. The first could dissolve the new parliament on the grounds that the way MPs were elected was unconstitutional. The second could disqualify former prime Ahmed Shafiq as a candidate in the this weekend's president runoff on the grounds that as a member of the former regime he is prohibited from standing.
TunisiaTunisia
• A military court has sentenced former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to life in prison in connection with the killing of 23 demonstrators by police during the revolt that sparked the Arab spring. The mixed panel of military and civilian judges pronounced Ben Ali guilty of complicity in murder and attempted murder. Prosecuting lawyers had sought to prove there were high-level orders to kill protesters. However, lawyers on both sides said they were disappointed that investigating magistrates had failed to reconstruct the exact sequence of events in the hours leading up to the deaths.• A military court has sentenced former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to life in prison in connection with the killing of 23 demonstrators by police during the revolt that sparked the Arab spring. The mixed panel of military and civilian judges pronounced Ben Ali guilty of complicity in murder and attempted murder. Prosecuting lawyers had sought to prove there were high-level orders to kill protesters. However, lawyers on both sides said they were disappointed that investigating magistrates had failed to reconstruct the exact sequence of events in the hours leading up to the deaths.
LibyaLibya
• The Libyan leadership said it was powerless to release four officials from the international criminal court who are being detained after visiting Muammar Gaddafi's imprisoned son, Saif al-Islam, writes Julian Borger. • The Libyan leadership said it was powerless to release four officials from the international criminal court who are being detained after visiting Muammar Gaddafi's imprisoned son, Saif al-Islam, writes Julian Borger.
The Libyan attorney general's office said that the ICC detainees, who were organising Saif's legal defence, would be held for 45 days during the investigation, deepening the crisis in relations between Libya and the international community over the incident. The four appear to have been caught in a three-way tussle between the Tripoli government, the Zintan militia holding Saif, and the ICC over where Saif should be put on trial for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Libyan insurrection last year.The Libyan attorney general's office said that the ICC detainees, who were organising Saif's legal defence, would be held for 45 days during the investigation, deepening the crisis in relations between Libya and the international community over the incident. The four appear to have been caught in a three-way tussle between the Tripoli government, the Zintan militia holding Saif, and the ICC over where Saif should be put on trial for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Libyan insurrection last year.