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Mubarak 'coma' deepens Egypt crisis - live updates Mubarak 'coma' deepens Egypt crisis - live updates
(40 minutes later)
12.57pm: Egypt: Ex-president Mubarak is not in a deep coma, Ahram Online reports, citing "an official medical source".
The next 72 hours will be critical but he could survive, said the source. However, he may not regain all his intellectual and physical capacities and may have impaired concentration and vision due to a stroke.
Earlier today, it was reported that Mubarak has been taken off a life support machine.
12.43pm: Egypt: Ahram Online reports visible troop movements near the capital.12.43pm: Egypt: Ahram Online reports visible troop movements near the capital.
Military vehicles have been noticed on the Cairo-Alexandria Agricultural Road near where the Circular Road enters the capital.Military vehicles have been noticed on the Cairo-Alexandria Agricultural Road near where the Circular Road enters the capital.
Tanks and armoured vehicles were spotted on the highway around 5km from Qaliub moving towards Cairo.Tanks and armoured vehicles were spotted on the highway around 5km from Qaliub moving towards Cairo.
Soldiers refused to tell onlookers what was happening and told them not to get too close to the vehiclesSoldiers refused to tell onlookers what was happening and told them not to get too close to the vehicles
The military is congregating at the location where it was used to prevent cars entering the capital during the early days of the 2011 uprising.The military is congregating at the location where it was used to prevent cars entering the capital during the early days of the 2011 uprising.
12.41pm: Bahrain: A court has adjourned the case of an 11-year-old boy accused of taking part in anti-government protests and says it will deliver a verdict July 5, AP reports.12.41pm: Bahrain: A court has adjourned the case of an 11-year-old boy accused of taking part in anti-government protests and says it will deliver a verdict July 5, AP reports.
The boy, Ali Hasan (left), appeared in court today alongside his father. He spent a month behind bars and took his final school exams there.The boy, Ali Hasan (left), appeared in court today alongside his father. He spent a month behind bars and took his final school exams there.
He faces charges of joining an illegal gathering and other claims related to the unrest in the kingdom. Defence lawyer Shahzalan Khamis has asked the court to drop the charges.He faces charges of joining an illegal gathering and other claims related to the unrest in the kingdom. Defence lawyer Shahzalan Khamis has asked the court to drop the charges.
12.19pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:12.19pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
EgyptEgypt
• The ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is said to be in a coma after his heart stopped on Tuesday, deepening uncertainty in the country amid ongoing disputes over who has been elected as his successor. Security officials said he had been taken off a life support machine and his heart and other vital organs are functioning.• The ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is said to be in a coma after his heart stopped on Tuesday, deepening uncertainty in the country amid ongoing disputes over who has been elected as his successor. Security officials said he had been taken off a life support machine and his heart and other vital organs are functioning.
• The presidential election result is thought to hang on the outcome of appeals about voting irregularities. Both the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi and Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq are claiming victory. But only the Muslim Brotherhood has offered proof of victory in the form of tallied reports from judges at polling stations. A declaration of the result, expected tomorrow, could be delayed.• The presidential election result is thought to hang on the outcome of appeals about voting irregularities. Both the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi and Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq are claiming victory. But only the Muslim Brotherhood has offered proof of victory in the form of tallied reports from judges at polling stations. A declaration of the result, expected tomorrow, could be delayed.
• The Shafiq campaign plans to launch a political party, whoever wins the election. It also continues to accuse the Muslim Brotherhood of a plot against it.• The Shafiq campaign plans to launch a political party, whoever wins the election. It also continues to accuse the Muslim Brotherhood of a plot against it.
• Tens of thousands of mainly Muslim Brotherhood supporters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo on Tuesday night to protest at the 11th-hour constitutional declaration giving the military sweeping powers. Islamist MPs left Tahrir square to march to parliament about 200 metres up the road, but were prohibited from entering the building, having to content themselves with chanting at the mouth of the road. Since the court decision security forces have locked down the road that houses parliament.• Tens of thousands of mainly Muslim Brotherhood supporters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo on Tuesday night to protest at the 11th-hour constitutional declaration giving the military sweeping powers. Islamist MPs left Tahrir square to march to parliament about 200 metres up the road, but were prohibited from entering the building, having to content themselves with chanting at the mouth of the road. Since the court decision security forces have locked down the road that houses parliament.
SyriaSyria
• At least 20 Syrian soldiers were killed in the latest clashes with rebel fighters in the north-west province of Latakia, according to AFP citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "The majority died in direct fighting with the rebels, while other soldiers were killed in a rebel attack on two buildings," the head of Observatory head Rami Abdel-Rahman told AFP.• At least 20 Syrian soldiers were killed in the latest clashes with rebel fighters in the north-west province of Latakia, according to AFP citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "The majority died in direct fighting with the rebels, while other soldiers were killed in a rebel attack on two buildings," the head of Observatory head Rami Abdel-Rahman told AFP.
• Senior officers in Syria are ready to oust President Assad in order to preserve the Alawite sect, according to Albawaba news website. The report is impossible to confirm but hints is the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.• Senior officers in Syria are ready to oust President Assad in order to preserve the Alawite sect, according to Albawaba news website. The report is impossible to confirm but hints is the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki.
• The head of the UN observer mission in Syria has told the security council that observers were repeatedly targeted by hostile crowds and gunfire before his decision to suspend operations, the BBC reports. Diplomats say Major General Robert Mood said his 300 unarmed monitors had had at least 10 direct fire incidents, and nine vehicles were struck in the last week.• The head of the UN observer mission in Syria has told the security council that observers were repeatedly targeted by hostile crowds and gunfire before his decision to suspend operations, the BBC reports. Diplomats say Major General Robert Mood said his 300 unarmed monitors had had at least 10 direct fire incidents, and nine vehicles were struck in the last week.
• No country has the right to tell Syria who their leader should be, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit underlining his opposition to US attempts to secure a deal to persuade Bashar al-Assad to stand down. RIA Novosti quoted him saying: "No one is entitled to decide for other nations who will be brought to power and who will be removed. A change of power, if it occurs – and it could only occur by constitutional means - should result in peace and stop the bloodshed."• No country has the right to tell Syria who their leader should be, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit underlining his opposition to US attempts to secure a deal to persuade Bashar al-Assad to stand down. RIA Novosti quoted him saying: "No one is entitled to decide for other nations who will be brought to power and who will be removed. A change of power, if it occurs – and it could only occur by constitutional means - should result in peace and stop the bloodshed."
• Syrian activists have announced a new coalition group inside further eroding the influence of the troubled exiled opposition, the Syrian National Council, the Telegraph reports. The Joint Action Committee is designed to "unify the political work and the field work in Syria across all the revolutionary levels to ensure a smooth future transition," according to its founder Hussein Sayed.• Syrian activists have announced a new coalition group inside further eroding the influence of the troubled exiled opposition, the Syrian National Council, the Telegraph reports. The Joint Action Committee is designed to "unify the political work and the field work in Syria across all the revolutionary levels to ensure a smooth future transition," according to its founder Hussein Sayed.
KuwaitKuwait
• The constitutional court has ruled that parliamentary elections held last February were invalid and that the previous parliament should be reinstated. Earlier this week, the emir suspended parliament for a month following the resignations of two cabinet ministers under pressure from opposition MPs.• The constitutional court has ruled that parliamentary elections held last February were invalid and that the previous parliament should be reinstated. Earlier this week, the emir suspended parliament for a month following the resignations of two cabinet ministers under pressure from opposition MPs.
11.51am: Egypt: The presidential election result is still too close to call according to the Egypt Monocle, even though the Muslim Brotherhood is claiming a 4% victory for its man Mohamed Morsi (pictured right).11.51am: Egypt: The presidential election result is still too close to call according to the Egypt Monocle, even though the Muslim Brotherhood is claiming a 4% victory for its man Mohamed Morsi (pictured right).
The key source of uncertainty is the outcome of appeals filed by the campaign of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured left), it says.The key source of uncertainty is the outcome of appeals filed by the campaign of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (pictured left), it says.
Their preliminary results show that Morsi won a total 13,238,298 votes while Shafik garnered 12,351,184 — a difference of 887,114.Their preliminary results show that Morsi won a total 13,238,298 votes while Shafik garnered 12,351,184 — a difference of 887,114.
However, Shafiq's campaign has repeatedly claimed that he is in fact the winner, but by a smaller margin. They say the Morsi campaign, trigger-happy with its early celebrations, should wait until the Presidential Election Committee announces the final results on Thursday. Still, they beamed with confidence at a Tuesday conference, saying they're sure Shafiq is the next president.However, Shafiq's campaign has repeatedly claimed that he is in fact the winner, but by a smaller margin. They say the Morsi campaign, trigger-happy with its early celebrations, should wait until the Presidential Election Committee announces the final results on Thursday. Still, they beamed with confidence at a Tuesday conference, saying they're sure Shafiq is the next president.
Also on Tuesday, Morsi's campaign said that 140 appeals were filed, 100 of which were accepted, and that final results will be out Thursday. But instead of waiting, they've repeatedly claimed the presidency — obviously under the impression that the appeals would come out in their favor and increase their margin of victory.Also on Tuesday, Morsi's campaign said that 140 appeals were filed, 100 of which were accepted, and that final results will be out Thursday. But instead of waiting, they've repeatedly claimed the presidency — obviously under the impression that the appeals would come out in their favor and increase their margin of victory.
Now investigations looking into alleged ballot rigging may mean that around 1 million votes are discounted, which means it's anyone's game.Now investigations looking into alleged ballot rigging may mean that around 1 million votes are discounted, which means it's anyone's game.
Farouk Sultan, the head of the election commission has suggested that a declaration of a result could come later than tomorrow, while appeals are investigated, the Egypt Independent reports.Farouk Sultan, the head of the election commission has suggested that a declaration of a result could come later than tomorrow, while appeals are investigated, the Egypt Independent reports.
Cairo-based journalist Sarah Carr notes how much quicker appeals were dismissed in the first round of the election.Cairo-based journalist Sarah Carr notes how much quicker appeals were dismissed in the first round of the election.
1st round RT @hany2m: @Sarahcarr Appeals were submitted on May 27, all rejected on May 28, at 1:00 p.m!1st round RT @hany2m: @Sarahcarr Appeals were submitted on May 27, all rejected on May 28, at 1:00 p.m!
— المشير أبو كار (@Sarahcarr) June 20, 2012— المشير أبو كار (@Sarahcarr) June 20, 2012
11.50am: Kuwait: The constitutional court has ruled that parliamentary elections held last February were invalid and that the previous parliament should be reinstated, the government news agency reports.11.50am: Kuwait: The constitutional court has ruled that parliamentary elections held last February were invalid and that the previous parliament should be reinstated, the government news agency reports.
Earlier this week, the emir (left) suspended parliament for a month following the resignations of two cabinet ministers under pressure from opposition MPs. The Associated Press explains:Earlier this week, the emir (left) suspended parliament for a month following the resignations of two cabinet ministers under pressure from opposition MPs. The Associated Press explains:
Kuwait has the Gulf's most politically independent parliament. It often demands to question top officials and has the ability to pass no-confidence votes to oust cabinet officials. Tensions have flared since February elections that gave Islamists and their political backers control of the chamber.Kuwait has the Gulf's most politically independent parliament. It often demands to question top officials and has the ability to pass no-confidence votes to oust cabinet officials. Tensions have flared since February elections that gave Islamists and their political backers control of the chamber.
The opposition insists they now deserve more than half the seats in the 15-member cabinet. The bloc rejected an offer of four seats after the election.The opposition insists they now deserve more than half the seats in the 15-member cabinet. The bloc rejected an offer of four seats after the election.
11.20am: Egypt: Mubarak's recovery continues apace, AP reports.11.20am: Egypt: Mubarak's recovery continues apace, AP reports.
Security officials say Hosni Mubarak is in a coma but off of life support and his heart and other vital organs are functioning.Security officials say Hosni Mubarak is in a coma but off of life support and his heart and other vital organs are functioning.
Overnight, state media reported that the 84-year old former president, who was ousted in last year's uprising, suffered a stroke and was put on life support. He was later transferred to a military hospital from the Cairo prison hospital where he recently began serving a life sentence.Overnight, state media reported that the 84-year old former president, who was ousted in last year's uprising, suffered a stroke and was put on life support. He was later transferred to a military hospital from the Cairo prison hospital where he recently began serving a life sentence.
The security officials said Wednesday that a team of 15 doctors was supervising the condition of Mubarak, who needed help with his breathing.The security officials said Wednesday that a team of 15 doctors was supervising the condition of Mubarak, who needed help with his breathing.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
11.10am: Syria: Senior officers in Syria are ready to oust President Assad in order to preserve the Alawite sect, according to a report on Albawaba news website.11.10am: Syria: Senior officers in Syria are ready to oust President Assad in order to preserve the Alawite sect, according to a report on Albawaba news website.
The officers now believe "that the fate of the Alawite sect is more important than the fate of Assad himself," it says. "They see the Syrian sect as part of the Syrian people, and thus Bashar al-Assad and his family can go to exile in another country."The officers now believe "that the fate of the Alawite sect is more important than the fate of Assad himself," it says. "They see the Syrian sect as part of the Syrian people, and thus Bashar al-Assad and his family can go to exile in another country."
The report is impossible to confirm and might not be worth much attention – except that Albawaba gives some very broad hints that its source is none other than the Iraqi prime minister.The report is impossible to confirm and might not be worth much attention – except that Albawaba gives some very broad hints that its source is none other than the Iraqi prime minister.
The report talks of "high-level sources in the Iraqi Dawa party, led by prime minister Nuri al-Maliki", and adds that "sources close to the Iraqi PM al-Maliki said the option of an Alawite rebellion could be the best way out of the Syrian crisis and will prevent a Syrian civil war".The report talks of "high-level sources in the Iraqi Dawa party, led by prime minister Nuri al-Maliki", and adds that "sources close to the Iraqi PM al-Maliki said the option of an Alawite rebellion could be the best way out of the Syrian crisis and will prevent a Syrian civil war".
10.56am: Egypt: A new website called Mubarakdeadornot.com has the latest health reports, rumours and reflections on the former dictators record in office.10.56am: Egypt: A new website called Mubarakdeadornot.com has the latest health reports, rumours and reflections on the former dictators record in office.
The Arabist tweets the scene, in black and white, outside the military hospital where Mubarak is being treated.The Arabist tweets the scene, in black and white, outside the military hospital where Mubarak is being treated.
More from Maadi military hospital. twitter.com/arabist/status…More from Maadi military hospital. twitter.com/arabist/status…
— arabist (@arabist) June 20, 2012— arabist (@arabist) June 20, 2012
Some Mubarak supporters are giving journalists a "hard time" outside the hospital, according to al-Jazeera's Rawya Rageh.Some Mubarak supporters are giving journalists a "hard time" outside the hospital, according to al-Jazeera's Rawya Rageh.
#Mubarak supporters continue flocking to #Maadi hospital (few), some give media camped there hard time #Egypt#Mubarak supporters continue flocking to #Maadi hospital (few), some give media camped there hard time #Egypt
— Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) June 20, 2012— Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) June 20, 2012

And there are no more updates on Mubarak's health.
And there are no more updates on Mubarak's health.
Maadi hospital remains tight-lipped abt #Mubarak's condition #EgyptMaadi hospital remains tight-lipped abt #Mubarak's condition #Egypt
— Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) June 20, 2012— Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) June 20, 2012
10.32am: Egypt: Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq is to launch a political party whoever wins the presidential election, according to the Egypt Independent.10.32am: Egypt: Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq is to launch a political party whoever wins the presidential election, according to the Egypt Independent.
It quotes a source as saying:It quotes a source as saying:
We know that we will face strong resistance from some active groups in the political arena, but we are ready to play in the political field with professionalism, and we will not give in to any plot against the new party. We are sure that there are millions of Egyptian citizens who [want] to join us.We know that we will face strong resistance from some active groups in the political arena, but we are ready to play in the political field with professionalism, and we will not give in to any plot against the new party. We are sure that there are millions of Egyptian citizens who [want] to join us.
Meanwhile, Shafiq's spokesman, Ahmad Sarhan has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of scaremongering ahead of the election result, by claiming its message amounts to "Morsi or Chaos", in his one of his latest tweets.Meanwhile, Shafiq's spokesman, Ahmad Sarhan has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of scaremongering ahead of the election result, by claiming its message amounts to "Morsi or Chaos", in his one of his latest tweets.
10.09am: Egypt: "Mubarak seems to have come back to life," amid widespread suspicions that reports of his failing health were manipulated to get him moved to plusher surroundings, Abdel-Rahman Hussein reports from Cairo.10.09am: Egypt: "Mubarak seems to have come back to life," amid widespread suspicions that reports of his failing health were manipulated to get him moved to plusher surroundings, Abdel-Rahman Hussein reports from Cairo.
He said the conflicting reports about Mubarak's health undermine public trust in the official version of events, including potentially the forthcoming presidential election results.He said the conflicting reports about Mubarak's health undermine public trust in the official version of events, including potentially the forthcoming presidential election results.
At times when you need confirmation either way there is no official trusted source of the requisite information. That's what happened with the Mubarak 'death', and that's pretty much what happens with every incident that occurs in Egypt. The decision of the presidential election commission is binding ... But there will always be doubts cast on the results.At times when you need confirmation either way there is no official trusted source of the requisite information. That's what happened with the Mubarak 'death', and that's pretty much what happens with every incident that occurs in Egypt. The decision of the presidential election commission is binding ... But there will always be doubts cast on the results.
The results of the election are due to be declared on Thursday, but appeals could delay the announcement. Abdo now predicts a victory by the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi.The results of the election are due to be declared on Thursday, but appeals could delay the announcement. Abdo now predicts a victory by the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi.
There are still appeals to be considered by the commission, but as it stands now Morsi looks likely to be the winner, simply because the Morsi campaign has offered proof that their candidate is the one who won. They have the tallied reports signed by the judges from all the polling stations. The Shafiq campaign was silent for 24 hours, then came out with a somewhat hysterical press conference in which they claimed that their candidate was half a million votes ahead. They offered no justification or basis for this. I think they were just talking in the wind.There are still appeals to be considered by the commission, but as it stands now Morsi looks likely to be the winner, simply because the Morsi campaign has offered proof that their candidate is the one who won. They have the tallied reports signed by the judges from all the polling stations. The Shafiq campaign was silent for 24 hours, then came out with a somewhat hysterical press conference in which they claimed that their candidate was half a million votes ahead. They offered no justification or basis for this. I think they were just talking in the wind.
It looks like Morsi's campaign got it right, barring unforeseen circumstances. [If Shafiq is declared winner] the Muslim Brotherhood will cry foul and for good reason. The only way I can see Shafiq winning is if the election commission accepts the appeals of his campaign - meaning they would have to strike out hundreds of thousands of votes, and that would be deemed a very politicised decisions and it will cause a big ruckus.It looks like Morsi's campaign got it right, barring unforeseen circumstances. [If Shafiq is declared winner] the Muslim Brotherhood will cry foul and for good reason. The only way I can see Shafiq winning is if the election commission accepts the appeals of his campaign - meaning they would have to strike out hundreds of thousands of votes, and that would be deemed a very politicised decisions and it will cause a big ruckus.
I think they [the military authorities] will declare Morsi the winner because they can't afford the fallout from declaring Shafiq the winner.I think they [the military authorities] will declare Morsi the winner because they can't afford the fallout from declaring Shafiq the winner.
They hold all the cards so I don't think a Morsi win will cause too much upset. Morsi will be a president with his hands tied. The military has also announced the formation of a national defence council that [will include] the president but also 16 members, 11 of which are from the military. Decision will be made by a simple majority so they will have the final say.They hold all the cards so I don't think a Morsi win will cause too much upset. Morsi will be a president with his hands tied. The military has also announced the formation of a national defence council that [will include] the president but also 16 members, 11 of which are from the military. Decision will be made by a simple majority so they will have the final say.
They [the military] have ensured that irrespective of the winner they remain in charge.They [the military] have ensured that irrespective of the winner they remain in charge.
The revolutionaries know that the current fight is not their fight, it is a face off between the Muslim Brotherhood and Scaf. So they are waiting to see how it's going to turn out. There is very popular refrain which is 'down with the next president' whoever it is.The revolutionaries know that the current fight is not their fight, it is a face off between the Muslim Brotherhood and Scaf. So they are waiting to see how it's going to turn out. There is very popular refrain which is 'down with the next president' whoever it is.
9.59am: Syria: American journalist Max Blumenthal has announced that he will no longer by writing for al-Akhbar, the Lebanese newspaper and website, because of its pro-Assad coverage of Syria. 9.59am: Syria: American journalist Max Blumenthal has announced that he will no longer be writing for al-Akhbar, the Lebanese newspaper and website, because of its pro-Assad coverage of Syria.
Explaining his decision in a blog post, Blumenthal says he started writing for al-Akhbar because at the time he considered it "one of the most courageous publications in the Arab world". But now, he says, "the paper's opinion pages have become a playpen for dictator enablers". He writes:Explaining his decision in a blog post, Blumenthal says he started writing for al-Akhbar because at the time he considered it "one of the most courageous publications in the Arab world". But now, he says, "the paper's opinion pages have become a playpen for dictator enablers". He writes:
I recently learned of a major exodus of key staffers at al-Akhbar caused at least in part by disagreements with the newspaper leadership's pro-Assad tendency.I recently learned of a major exodus of key staffers at al-Akhbar caused at least in part by disagreements with the newspaper leadership's pro-Assad tendency.
The revelation helps explain why al-Akhbar English now prominently features the malevolent propaganda of Amal Saad Ghorayeb and the dillentantish quasi-analysis of Sharmine Narwani alongside editor-in-chief Ibrahim al-Amin's friendly advice for Bashar Assad, whom he attempts to depict as an earnest reformer overwhelmed by events ...The revelation helps explain why al-Akhbar English now prominently features the malevolent propaganda of Amal Saad Ghorayeb and the dillentantish quasi-analysis of Sharmine Narwani alongside editor-in-chief Ibrahim al-Amin's friendly advice for Bashar Assad, whom he attempts to depict as an earnest reformer overwhelmed by events ...
I was forced to conclude that unless I was prepared to spend endless stores of energy jousting with Assad apologists, I was merely providing them cover by keeping my name and reputation associated with al-Akhbar.I was forced to conclude that unless I was prepared to spend endless stores of energy jousting with Assad apologists, I was merely providing them cover by keeping my name and reputation associated with al-Akhbar.
More importantly, I decided that if I kept quiet any longer, I would be betraying my principles and those of the people who have encouraged and inspired me over the years. There is simply no excuse for me to remain involved for another day with such a morally compromised outlet.More importantly, I decided that if I kept quiet any longer, I would be betraying my principles and those of the people who have encouraged and inspired me over the years. There is simply no excuse for me to remain involved for another day with such a morally compromised outlet.
9.45am: Syria: The US has added Syria to the list of countries that could face sanctions for failing to combat the trafficking of people. Its latest annual global survey from the state department places Syria among 16 countries that are "not making significant efforts" to meet minimum standards.9.45am: Syria: The US has added Syria to the list of countries that could face sanctions for failing to combat the trafficking of people. Its latest annual global survey from the state department places Syria among 16 countries that are "not making significant efforts" to meet minimum standards.
The report says it is unclear how the current conflict has affected the human trafficking situation in Syria, but the country's downgrading seems to result from a lack of action to deal with it. The Assad regime is accused of failing to investigate and punish offences or offer protection to victims. The report says:The report says it is unclear how the current conflict has affected the human trafficking situation in Syria, but the country's downgrading seems to result from a lack of action to deal with it. The Assad regime is accused of failing to investigate and punish offences or offer protection to victims. The report says:
Prior to the political uprising and violent unrest, Syria was principally a destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor or sex trafficking. Thousands of women – the majority from Indonesia, the Philippines, Somalia, and Ethiopia – were recruited by employment agencies to work in Syria as domestic servants, but were subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labour by their employers ...Prior to the political uprising and violent unrest, Syria was principally a destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor or sex trafficking. Thousands of women – the majority from Indonesia, the Philippines, Somalia, and Ethiopia – were recruited by employment agencies to work in Syria as domestic servants, but were subsequently subjected to conditions of forced labour by their employers ...
Traffickers prey on Syria's large Iraqi refugee population, with some Iraqi women and girls exploited by their families or by criminal gangs; victims were sent to work in nightclubs, placed into temporary "marriages" to men for the sole purpose of prostitution, or sold to pimps who rent them out for longer periods of time.Traffickers prey on Syria's large Iraqi refugee population, with some Iraqi women and girls exploited by their families or by criminal gangs; victims were sent to work in nightclubs, placed into temporary "marriages" to men for the sole purpose of prostitution, or sold to pimps who rent them out for longer periods of time.
Six other Arab countries are ranked at the same level as Syria: Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.Six other Arab countries are ranked at the same level as Syria: Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.
8.54am: Egypt: The cartoonist Carlos Latuff captures the suspicion of how reports of Mubarak's health are being used by Egypt's ruling generals.8.54am: Egypt: The cartoonist Carlos Latuff captures the suspicion of how reports of Mubarak's health are being used by Egypt's ruling generals.
Protesters at a Muslim Brotherhood rally last night dismissed the reports as an irrelevance, Reuters reports.Protesters at a Muslim Brotherhood rally last night dismissed the reports as an irrelevance, Reuters reports.
8.29am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.29am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Conflicting reports about Hosni Mubarak's health are adding renewed volatility to Egypt's political crisis ahead of the official results of a divisive presidential election, and amid mounting anger at a power grab by the military council.Conflicting reports about Hosni Mubarak's health are adding renewed volatility to Egypt's political crisis ahead of the official results of a divisive presidential election, and amid mounting anger at a power grab by the military council.
EgyptEgypt
• The ousted Egyptian president has been transferred to from Torah prison hospital to a military hospital and reported to be critically ill. The state news agency Mena had initially reported that Mubarak was clinically dead soon after he was taken to the military hospital. This was later denied, and Mubarak was reported to be on a life support machine.• The ousted Egyptian president has been transferred to from Torah prison hospital to a military hospital and reported to be critically ill. The state news agency Mena had initially reported that Mubarak was clinically dead soon after he was taken to the military hospital. This was later denied, and Mubarak was reported to be on a life support machine.
Egyptians have been sceptical of earlier reports that his health was worsening since he was put in prison on 2 June, believing the reports were just a pretext to move him to another facility.Egyptians have been sceptical of earlier reports that his health was worsening since he was put in prison on 2 June, believing the reports were just a pretext to move him to another facility.
Mubarak's health crisis added a new element of uncertainty just as a potentially explosive fight opened over who will succeed him, following elections at the weekend, and moves by the interim military government to extend its powers.Mubarak's health crisis added a new element of uncertainty just as a potentially explosive fight opened over who will succeed him, following elections at the weekend, and moves by the interim military government to extend its powers.
It adds further layers to what is threatening to become a new chapter of unrest and political power struggles in Egypt, 16 months after Mubarak was removed by a popular uprising demanding democracy. Egyptians were uncertain about Mubarak's fate, about who will succeed him and about whether his successor will have any power.It adds further layers to what is threatening to become a new chapter of unrest and political power struggles in Egypt, 16 months after Mubarak was removed by a popular uprising demanding democracy. Egyptians were uncertain about Mubarak's fate, about who will succeed him and about whether his successor will have any power.
The campaign of Mubarak's former prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, said that Shafiq has won Egypt's presidential election, countering the Muslim Brotherhood's claim of victory for its candidate, Mohammed Morsi.The campaign of Mubarak's former prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, said that Shafiq has won Egypt's presidential election, countering the Muslim Brotherhood's claim of victory for its candidate, Mohammed Morsi.
The election commission is to announce the official final results on Thursday and no matter who it names as victor, his rival is likely to reject the result as a fraud.The election commission is to announce the official final results on Thursday and no matter who it names as victor, his rival is likely to reject the result as a fraud.
• Premature accounts of Mubarak's death were widely reported on Tuesday night. The BBC's Newsnight programme announced his death (1 min 37 secs into the programme) in its opening roundup.• Premature accounts of Mubarak's death were widely reported on Tuesday night. The BBC's Newsnight programme announced his death (1 min 37 secs into the programme) in its opening roundup.
• Tens of thousands of mainly Muslim Brotherhood supporters have filled Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest at the 11th-hour constitutional declaration giving the military sweeping powers. Islamist MPs left Tahrir square to march to parliament about 200 metres up the road, but were prohibited from entering the building, having to content themselves with chanting at the mouth of the road. Since the court decision security forces have locked down the road that houses parliament.• Tens of thousands of mainly Muslim Brotherhood supporters have filled Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest at the 11th-hour constitutional declaration giving the military sweeping powers. Islamist MPs left Tahrir square to march to parliament about 200 metres up the road, but were prohibited from entering the building, having to content themselves with chanting at the mouth of the road. Since the court decision security forces have locked down the road that houses parliament.
• Are the generals going to let Morsi win? asks Michael Collins Dunn of the Middle East Institute.• Are the generals going to let Morsi win? asks Michael Collins Dunn of the Middle East Institute.
I don't know, but does it matter? They'd be wise not to pull the (much devalued) prize away at this point,which could produce an open revolt by the Brotherhood; better to have an elected, but powerless, figurehead. They're going to need somebody to blame when people finally notice the economy is a disaster. And a co-opted Brotherhood could be helpful in many ways, as long as Morsi understands who is co-opting whom.I don't know, but does it matter? They'd be wise not to pull the (much devalued) prize away at this point,which could produce an open revolt by the Brotherhood; better to have an elected, but powerless, figurehead. They're going to need somebody to blame when people finally notice the economy is a disaster. And a co-opted Brotherhood could be helpful in many ways, as long as Morsi understands who is co-opting whom.
• There is trouble ahead whatever happens, warns the Arabist. • There is trouble ahead whatever happens, warns the Arabist.
You have a possible fight on the result of the presidential election, an almost certain fight on the fate of parliament and the constitutional declaration, and a longer-term fight on the drafting of the future constitution. If you're not worried already, start worrying now.You have a possible fight on the result of the presidential election, an almost certain fight on the fate of parliament and the constitutional declaration, and a longer-term fight on the drafting of the future constitution. If you're not worried already, start worrying now.
SyriaSyria
• The head of the UN observer mission in Syria has told the security council that observers were repeatedly targeted by hostile crowds and gunfire before his decision to suspend operations, the BBC reports. Diplomats say Major General Robert Mood said his 300 unarmed monitors had had at least 10 direct fire incidents, and nine vehicles were struck in the last week.• The head of the UN observer mission in Syria has told the security council that observers were repeatedly targeted by hostile crowds and gunfire before his decision to suspend operations, the BBC reports. Diplomats say Major General Robert Mood said his 300 unarmed monitors had had at least 10 direct fire incidents, and nine vehicles were struck in the last week.
• General Mood and Hervé Ladsous, the UN's head of peacekeeping, suggested to reporters that the monitoring operation would not resume until both sides honoured the peace plan.• General Mood and Hervé Ladsous, the UN's head of peacekeeping, suggested to reporters that the monitoring operation would not resume until both sides honoured the peace plan.

Both Assad's forces and the rebels must stop the fighting, "if the mission is going to be meaningful," Mood said.

Both Assad's forces and the rebels must stop the fighting, "if the mission is going to be meaningful," Mood said.

• A ship carrying refurbished attack helicopters for the Assad regime, has been turned back after being denied marine cover by UK underwriters. William Hague, the foreign secretary, confirmed that the ship, thought to have sailed from Kaliningrad, in the Baltic, had now turned back to Murmansk in northern Russia.• A ship carrying refurbished attack helicopters for the Assad regime, has been turned back after being denied marine cover by UK underwriters. William Hague, the foreign secretary, confirmed that the ship, thought to have sailed from Kaliningrad, in the Baltic, had now turned back to Murmansk in northern Russia.
• No country has the right to tell Syria who their leader should be, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit underlining his opposition to US attempts to secure a deal to persuade Bashar al-Assad to stand down. RIA Novosti quoted him saying: "No one is entitled to decide for other nations who will be brought to power and who will be removed. A change of power, if it occurs – and it could only occur by constitutional means - should result in peace and stop the bloodshed."• No country has the right to tell Syria who their leader should be, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said at the G20 summit underlining his opposition to US attempts to secure a deal to persuade Bashar al-Assad to stand down. RIA Novosti quoted him saying: "No one is entitled to decide for other nations who will be brought to power and who will be removed. A change of power, if it occurs – and it could only occur by constitutional means - should result in peace and stop the bloodshed."
• Syrian activists have announced a new coalition group inside further eroding the influence of the troubled exiled opposition, the Syrian National Council, the Telegraph reports.• Syrian activists have announced a new coalition group inside further eroding the influence of the troubled exiled opposition, the Syrian National Council, the Telegraph reports.
The Joint Action Committee is designed to "unify the political work and the field work in Syria across all the revolutionary levels to ensure a smooth future transition," according to its founder Hussein Sayed.The Joint Action Committee is designed to "unify the political work and the field work in Syria across all the revolutionary levels to ensure a smooth future transition," according to its founder Hussein Sayed.
Its executive is formed of three representatives from each of the four main opposition groups in Syria. These include the Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC), the largest grassroots coalition that, according to a study by O'Bagy, controls 70% of the regional Revolutionary Councils across the country as well as the majority of the Local Coordination Committee.Its executive is formed of three representatives from each of the four main opposition groups in Syria. These include the Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC), the largest grassroots coalition that, according to a study by O'Bagy, controls 70% of the regional Revolutionary Councils across the country as well as the majority of the Local Coordination Committee.