Freies Politikforum für Demokraten und Anarchisten

palestina libera · Beiträge: 1665

Five years ago, some two million Egyptians took to the streets of the capital to demand an end to the government of Hosni Mubarak, but no such spectacle is expected this time around.

Instead of celebrating the fifth anniversary of the 25 January uprising, many young Egyptians say they will stay home and lament the death of their revolution, which they say has been marred by human rights abuses and growing state repression.

“We are not protesting now because there is no use in doing so … more people will die and get put in jail,” said Amal Sharaf, a spokeswoman for the April 6 movement that was a key force behind the 2011 protests that brought down the long-time strongman.

While no one expected the transition to democracy to be smooth, many activists say things are more dangerous now than they were under Mubarak.

During the revolution, activists and protesters took risks. For weeks they endured intimidation and violence from the authorities. According to Health Ministry officials, more than 840 were killed and almost 6,500 injured, but day after day they turned out to protest.

Many 25 January veterans say they have lost their revolutionary zeal and been worn down by years of crackdowns and increased police brutality.

“During Mubarak’s era, the worst that could happen is [you would get arrested and] tortured for a few days while [they carried out their investigation] over national security,” Sharaf said. “Now [the government] kidnaps, hands out crazy sentences and fabricates charges.
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/death-egypt-s-revolution-crackdowns-arrests-1121351817