Protesters Sentenced to Life Imprisonment as the Egyptian Military Restricts Media.

As the ousted Egyptian President, Mohammed Morsi, awaits trial, eleven of his supporters have today been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of attacking the army as a further 45 receive five to fifteen year prison sentences.

Whilst it remains unclear if the pro-Morsi supporters are affiliated to the, now controversial, Muslim Brotherhood, the men were convicted for attacking churches, soldiers and military vehicles in last month's protests. Morsi himself awaits sentencing  for 'inciting deadly violence' in regards to the deaths of protesters outside the Presidential palace in December 2012 as well as charges relating to a 2011 prison riot. Since Morsi was ousted, dozens of senior Muslim Brotherhood officials have been arrested, including most of the organisation's top officials. Fourteen Brotherhood members are currently awaiting trial on the same charge as their ex-President.

In the two months since the first democratically elected President was removed from office, the country has been thrown into turmoil as the pro and anti-Morsi supporters have clashed on the streets of Egypt. However, worse than this civil unrest, is the harsh impact the military has had on the country. Whilst there is no official report on how many have died in the last two months, it is safe to assume the death toll has reached the thousands, as pro-Morsi supporters have been subjected to fierce attacks from the military. Last month, hundreds died in peaceful protests with hundreds more arrested.

Whilst protests continue in support of Morsi, they are undoubtedly dwindling as the people are gripped by terror inflicted by the military. Last week saw the first major protest in a fortnight, following the murder of hundreds of protests at a similar demonstration, and, as the defiant protesters took to the streets in opposition of the new regime, the military used tear gas and gun fire against the protesters. It is little wonder the numbers of protesters are rapidly dwindling; if they have not been killed or arrested, they are understandably petrified of what will happen if they do.

Worringly, in the military's boldest, and most ominous move, four television stations, including Al Jazeera affiliate Mubasher Misr, have been shut amid accusations of Pro-Morsi sympathies. The military removed Morsi from office in 'public interest' and vehemently defended their actions as democratic, however, free speech and freedom of the press are core values of democracy. If the military truly believe their actions to be democratic, why silence opposition, be that from the street merchant to the politician to the journalist?

As well as the suspension of opposition news agencies and fierce attacks on protesters, the national rail service has been closed for 17 days. Rail services were due to resume today however they have postponed; The country is not only figuratively but also literally at a standstill.

Whilst the world is distracted by other atrocities in the world, we should not forget the utter turmoil in Egypt. The country which once revelled in democracy following the Arab Spring, is rapidly becoming the military state it once was. With the interim President being suspiciously silent and the military ominously loud, there is a very real danger that the people of this interesting and wonderful country could, once again, be facing a harsh authoritarian leadership.

Lora.

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