Egyptian Revolutionary Council condemns repression and displacement in Sinai

The Egyptian Revolutionary Council has announced its condemnation of the repressive measures, including forcible displacement, carried out by the post-coup authorities against the residents of the Egyptian side of Rafah, saying that these measures amount to collective punishment.

The council issued a statement obtained by MEMO that raised serious questions over what these measures would actually achieve in the fight against terrorism, pointing out that: “This clearly shows [President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s] failure in this war because a real war on terrorism should achieve the interests of the citizens as well as the safety and security of the country, not strip the citizens of their rights, uproot them from their land and force them out of their homes.”

In the statement, the council lamented that the crimes being carried out by the post-coup regime against its citizens even surpass those committed “during the [Israeli] occupation of this land”.

“The loyal Egyptian army paid a high price for the liberation of the Sinai from Israeli occupation. They paid in sacrificing their souls and blood in order to give the Egyptian residents of Sinai their sovereignty and control over their lands,” it said.

The council also argued that these “these repressive measures carried out by the current military leaders against our brothers in Rafah represent the real terrorism”, adding that they harm not only the residents of Sinai, but also all citizens loyal to Egypt.

The council concluded the statement by declaring: “Live long Egypt. Glory for the martyrs!”