Strict Curfew in Cairo Imposes Harsh Living Conditions
Egypt's new rulers are not planning to end the curfew anytime soon, despite the difficult conditions it has imposed on Egyptians.
CAIRO, Egypt — A cautious calm prevailed in Cairo following the curfew that was imposed on Aug. 14 by the Egyptian authorities after dispersing the sit-ins held by supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi in Rabia al-Adawiya and Nahda squares.
While the security services are taking tight measures against those who defied the curfew, some opposition movements — headed by the pro-Morsi People's Alliance to Support Legitimacy — are adamant about holding protests in different areas of Cairo and other provinces, until the political administration reneges its road map.
Egypt's Prime Minister Hazem el-Biblawi — in his capacity as deputy military governor in accordance with the emergency law — has issued a decision to impose a curfew from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., as per resolution No. 532 of 2013 published in the Official Gazette. People who breach the curfew can be sentenced to a minimum period of three years in prison.
The Council of Ministers’ media adviser, Sherif Shawki, told Al-Monitor, “The curfew will remain in place for a while longer, and the government is not currently reviewing options to cancel it. The government thanks citizens for abiding by it, and there are some exceptions for journalists and doctors.” He added that the government agreed to reduce the curfew time from Aug. 24 to start at 9 p.m., with the exception of Fridays, after receiving complaints from citizens.
