Mubarakism Without Mubarak

• Under revised Article 56 the SCAF takes on the powers of the legislature, until new parliamentary elections are held.
• Under revised Article 60 the SCAF provides itself powers to appoint the constituent assembly charged with writing a new constitution
• Revised Article 53 reinforces the SCAF’s control over military affairs, including powers to appoint its own members and to award the head of SCAF the positions of commander in chief of the armed forces – previously a post held by the President– and Minister of Defense.
• The amendments to Article 53 also provide a constitutional foundation for the military’s broad powers to detain citizens.

Human Rights First continues to urge the Obama administration to call on the SCAF to:

1. Provide a firm timeline for the drafting of a new constitution, its approval by referendum and the holding of new parliamentary elections to replace the parliament dissolved by the SCC last week.
2. Support the formation of a constituent assembly that reflects a broad range of political opinion and in particular ensure representation for women, and representatives of religious minorities.
3.  Provide all necessary support and resources for the development of a new constitution that expands civilian control over the military and in particular provides for public scrutiny of the military budget.
4.  While the SCAF remains in effective control of the country it must uphold the basic rights and freedoms of all Egyptians. It must protect rights of freedom of assembly and ensure that protesters are not abused. It should not detain peaceful protesters. It must uphold freedom of expression and protect the rights of religious minorities. It should end the persecution of independent civil society organizations, including the ongoing criminal investigations and prosecution of several human rights and democracy promotion organizations.