Egyptian activists set to strike

by stvalentine | May 4, 2008 at 06:08 am | 215 views | 3 comments

Opposition activists in Egypt are calling for a strike similar to that happened last month and witnessed hundreds of people who organised the general strike largely through the social neworking Facebook, to protest against the rising food prices and the political situation in the country. Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody.

The BBC's Ian Pannell in Cairo says the strike reflects growing unease over rising food prices and the lack of meaningful political reform in the country.

Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices.

Some basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger.

This is a worrying development for a government that maintains public order with a strong hand, our correspondent says.

The day of action coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981.

Although President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%,
the authorities have also warned they will not tolerate dissent on the streets.

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jordan

at 11:53 on May 4th, 2008

Update: it looks like the strike didn't materialize as planned, though alternate protests appeared online.

There is heightened security in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, following a call by activists for a strike in protest against rising food prices.

Extra police were also deployed in the Nile Delta town of Mahalla el-Kobra, which saw clashes last month between striking textile workers and police.

A BBC correspondent in Cairo, however, says there is little sign that people are observing the strike.

It was called to coincide with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak.

The BBC's Heba Saleh in Cairo says that apart from the large numbers of police deployed in major squares and intersections, life in the city appears normal, with heavy traffic and people going about their business.

"It's normal right now, I don't see any change from an average day," a Cairo shopkeeper told AP news agency.

"It seems most people ignored the call," he added.

JD Rucker

at 16:57 on May 4th, 2008

good stuff:

stvalentine, I like this story. It's good stuff.

I was actually reading this story a few hours ago and was working on posting it when the sleep monster took over and I had to leave my computer mid-post. I'm so happy that it was posted -- this is really great news as Facebook is spreading and offering ways for people in countries with fewer freedoms to express themselves, organize, and fight corruption and oppression. Nice post, St. Valentine!