More Rights in Egypt, Not Fewer

Sunday, March 18,2007 00:00

By NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE

Last month, a 22-year-old Egyptian blogger was sentenced to four years in prison for what he had posted online; he’d been charged with criticizing President Hosni Mubarak and insulting Islam. This week, the police violently broke up a peaceful protest against pending constitutional amendments and detained a number of people. None of these things bode well for human rights or democracy in Egypt.

President Mubarak says the amendments — soon to be voted on by Parliament — are meant to create a more open, balanced government. They are almost sure to do the opposite. One change would put elections under the control of a supposedly independent commission, but democracy advocates suspect it would be a puppet of the government.

Under pressure from Washington, Mr. Mubarak allowed limited competition in the 2005 parliamentary elections — and some independent oversight. Critics fear that the new commission would roll back those gains, clearing the way for Mr. Mubarak’s son to take power. Equally worrisome is an amendment that would weaken privacy rights and standards for arrest and detention.

This week, the courts rejected an appeal by the blogger, Abdel Kareem Nabil. The Bush administration has rightly condemned his conviction as a “setback for human rights.” Washington should also express concern over the rights of peaceful protesters. Before the amendments come to a vote, President Bush needs to tell Mr. Mubarak privately that this is not the path to long-term stability. Washington and the European Union should also speak out publicly against the most dangerous pieces of legislation.

If the amendments pass, the next step will be a referendum. Washington should help independent groups organize in the event of such a vote. Dissenting voices are essential if there is to be any hope of free debate and democracy in Egypt.

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