{{short description|Period of unrest around the 2012 presidential elections and 2013 coup}} {{Lead too long|date=April 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox Civil Conflict | title = 2012–2013 Egyptian protests | partof = the Egyptian Crisis | image = 300px | caption = Demonstrators in Cairo's Tahrir Square on the morning of 27 November 2012 | date = 2 February 2012 – 3 July 2013 | place = {{flagu|Egypt}} | coordinates = {{coord|30|2|N|31|13|E|region:BH_type:country|display=title,inline}} | causes = * Perceived totalitarianism and nepotism * Mass death sentences for Port Said Stadium riot | goals = * Withdrawal of Morsi's decree<ref name="Kirkpatrick">{{cite news|title=Morsi Defends Wide Authority in Egypt as Turmoil Rises |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/egypt-islamists-secular-opponents-clashes.html |last=Kirkpatrick |first=David D. |author-link=David D. Kirkpatrick |newspaper=The New York Times |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=7 December 2012}}</ref> * Cancellation of referendum on draft constitution<ref name=Kirkpatrick/> * Overhaul of the Islamist-dominated constitutional assembly<ref name=Kirkpatrick/> * Ousting of President Mohamed Morsi * Overthrow of the Qandil Cabinet | methods = * Civil disobedience * Civil resistance * Demonstrations * Strike actions * Online activism * Black Bloc * Riots | result = * Mohamed Morsi overthrown on 30 June 2013 * Pro-Muslim Brotherhood media experiences a downfall in Egypt<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/4/egypt-army-storms-al-jazeera-mid-broadcast-arrests/ |title=Egypt's army storms Al Jazeera mid-broadcast, arrests TV staff |work=Washington Times|date=4 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> * Constitution temporarily suspended for amendments, until a constitutional referendum is held; the Egyptian Constitution of 2014 is now the current constitution * Adly Mansour becomes interim president; new presidential election held in 2014 * Continued protests, mainly pro-Brotherhood | side1 = '''Opposition:''' * National Salvation Front<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's National Salvation Front Profile|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20667661|newspaper=BBC|date=10 December 2012}}</ref> * Kifaya * Tamarod<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/22956.html |title=From Egypt Petition Drive, A New Grassroot Wave |date=28 June 2013 |publisher=National Public Radio (NPR) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202160051/http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/22956.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 }}</ref> * Al-Wafd<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/03/02/al-wafd-repeats-commitment-to-boycott/|title=Al-Wafd repeats commitment to boycott|date=2 March 2013|work=Daily News Egypt}}</ref> * Judges' Club<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/morsi-urged-to-retract-edict-to-bypass-judges-in-egypt.html?_r=0|title=Egyptian Judges Challenge Morsi Over New Power|date=24 November 2012|work=The New York Times|first=David D.|last=Kirkpatrick}}</ref> * Liberals<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestrugglefortheworld.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/thoughts-on-june-30th-tamarod-and-the-future-of-liberal-democracy-in-egypt/|title=Thoughts on June 30th, Tamarod, and the future of liberal democracy in Egypt|date=1 July 2013|publisher=The Struggle for the World|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008075939/http://thestrugglefortheworld.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/thoughts-on-june-30th-tamarod-and-the-future-of-liberal-democracy-in-egypt/|archive-date=8 October 2013}}</ref> * Leftists<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/thousands-flood-egypt-s-streets-to-protest-against-morsi-1.1448092|title=Thousands flood Egypt's streets to protest against Morsi|date=1 July 2013|newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://socialistworker.co.uk/art/33754/Egypts+Revolutionary+Socialists+call+for+general+strike+until+the+fall+of+the+regime|title=Egypt's Revolutionary Socialists call for general strike until the fall of the regime|date=30 June 2013|publisher=Socialist Worker}}</ref> * Secularists<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/04/egypt-secularism-protesters-identity-cards.html|title=The 'S-Word': Egyptian Movement Takes on Islamic Rule|date=27 April 2013|publisher=Al-Monitor}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/04/21/my-religion-is-none-of-your-business-campaigning-against-division/|title=My religion is "none of your business": Campaigning against division|date=21 April 2013|work=Daily News Egypt}}</ref> * Anarchists (Black Bloc)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-14/anarchists-fight-islamists-as-egypt-drifts-into-violence.html|title=Egypt Ideology Devolves into Anarchy Amid Vendettas|date=14 May 2013|publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21228852|title=Black Bloc anarchists emerge|date=1 February 2013|publisher=BBC}}</ref> * Feminists<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/27/Egypt-Minister-sparks-backlash-for-sexist-remarks-towards-female-journalists-.html|title='Sexist' Egyptian Info Minister causes more feminist outrage|date=27 April 2013|publisher=Al Arabiya}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blog.learningpartnership.org/2013/06/egypt-protest-amal-had/|title=Another revolution in Egypt: Insights from Egyptian feminist Amal Abdel Hadi|date=29 June 2013|publisher=Women's Learning Partnership (Blog)|access-date=2 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610221543/http://www.blog.learningpartnership.org/2013/06/egypt-protest-amal-had/|archive-date=10 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Artists and intellectuals<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2013/06/ahead-of-anti-morsi-protests-artists-target-egypts-minister-of-culture/|title=Ahead of anti-Morsi protests, artists target Egypt's minister of culture|date=28 June 2013|publisher=Index on Censorship}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/18/74196/Books/Egypt-intellectuals-retaliate-against-culture-mini.aspx|title=Egypt intellectuals retaliate against culture minister after urgent meeting|date=7 June 2013|publisher=Ahram Online}}</ref> * Anti-Sexual Harassment activists<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/12579/press-release-by-operation-anti-sexual-harassment-n|title=Press Release by Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment/Assault on Sexual Assaults during 30 June Demonstrations|date=2 July 2013|publisher=Jadaliyya}}</ref> Supported by:<br />15px Egyptian Armed Forces | side2 = {{flagicon|Egypt}} Government '''Supported by''':<br/> {{flagicon image|Muslim Brotherhood Emblem.jpg}} Muslim Brotherhood * FJP *Building and Development Party)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/gamaa-al-islamiya-organises-pro-morsi-protests-counter-rebellion-campaign-497409|title=Gama'a al-Islamiya organises pro-Morsi protests to counter 'rebellion' campaign|date=6 June 2013|publisher=Albawaba News}}</ref> | side3 = | leadfigures1 = {{Plainlist| * Hosni Mubarak{{Clear}}(Former President of Egypt) * Abdel Fatah al-Sisi{{Clear}}(Minister of Defense, Commander-in-Chief) * Mohamed ElBaradei{{Clear}}(leader of The Egyptian Salvation Front) * Hamdeen Sabahi{{Clear}}(leader of the Egyptian Popular Current) * Amr Moussa{{Clear}}(leader of Conference Party) * Mohamed Abou El-Ghar{{Clear}}(leader of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party) * Ahmed el-Tayeb{{Clear}}(Grand Imam of Al Azhar) * Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria{{Clear}}(Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria) }} | leadfigures2 = {{Plainlist| * Mohamed Morsi{{Clear}}(President of Egypt) * Hesham Qandil{{Clear}}(Prime Minister of Egypt) * Mohammed Badie{{Clear}}(Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood) * Khairat el-Shater{{Clear}}(Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood) }} | leadfigures3 = | howmany1 = | howmany2 = | howmany3 = | casualties1 = | casualties2 = | casualties3 = 28 killed (17–22 November 2012);<ref>{{cite news|author=Yolande Knell |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15843425 |title=Egypt military pledges to speed up power transfer |publisher=BBC |date=22 November 2011 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref><br />59<ref name="Egyptprotester"/>–60+<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21289729 |title=Egypt protesters clash with police at presidential palace |publisher=BBC |date=1 February 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> killed (25 January–3 February 2013);<br />40 killed<ref name="thetollsofar">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/jul/08/egypt-dead-injured-toll-so-far|title=Egypt's dead and injured: the toll so far|author=Mona Chalabi|work=the Guardian|date=8 July 2013}}</ref> (23 June–3 July 2013) | casualties_label = | notes = }} {{Egyptian crisis (2011–2014)}} The '''2012–2013 Egyptian protests''' (sometimes called the '''Hirak Uprising''') were part of the crisis in Egypt including the June 2013 protests, the July 2013 coup d'état, and part of the post-coup unrest. They saw varying opposition against three contiguous heads of state; namely, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), Muslim Brotherhood, and the de facto ruling Egyptian Armed Forces.
Beginning with the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, small-scale protests took place in January demanding the military to step away from power. Those protests saw at least 7 protesters killed. Increasing violence, however, began in February 2012 with the massacre of Port Said, where 74 people (72 of which being Al-Ahly fans) were killed and hundred were injured by purported fans who were armed with knives, batons and swords, while the sparse security present stood idly. The lack of police intervention and alleged political involvement sparked a number of protests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2013/2/6/port-said-new-centre-for-egypts-revolution/|title = Port Said: New centre for Egypt's revolution|author=Sarah Mousa|date= 6 February 2013}}</ref> Subsequent protests in March saw 1 killed after demands for the return of football matches for El Masry after the riots last month.
Mass demonstrations in April demanding a transfer of power were attacked by the military. In June, riots and violent demonstrations against the delay of the trial of those responsible for the killings of protesters since 2011 took place and demands for the parliament to be dissolved was heard. From 16 June – 30 July, strikes and major protests against the continued lack of freedom of speech and the apparent power grab by the SCAF. Workers protested in major strikes in July against unemployment and the economic situation. Protests against the film discriminating Islam took place from 11 to 14 September. It was suppressed. Doctors and nurses protested in October for weeks demanding better wages. Protests against the resignations of members of the armed forces in August were carried out by supporters of the military.
During Morsi's presidency, the demonstrations were organized by Egyptian opposition organizations and individuals, mainly liberals, leftists, secularists and Christians.<ref name="brownpbs">{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Jeffrey|title=Egyptian Army Steps in After Violent Overnight Clashes at Presidential Palace|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/july-dec12/egypt1_12-06.html|access-date=8 December 2012|newspaper=PBS|date=6 December 2012|archive-date=7 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207182307/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/july-dec12/egypt1_12-06.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/clashes-between-rival-protesters-in-cairo-kill-3-wound-hundreds/|title=Clashes between rival protesters in Cairo kill 3, wound hundreds|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=6 December 2012|access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> They resulted in violent clashes between pro- and anti-Morsi protesters, with dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/protests-roil-egypt/2012/12/04/22f5c1e2-3e26-11e2-a2d9-822f58ac9fd5_gallery.html#photo=14 |title=Protests roil Egypt|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> Demonstrators gathered outside the Heliopolis Palace, which in turn was surrounded by tanks and armored vehicles of the Republican Guard.<ref name="Kirkpatrick" /> The anti-Morsi protesters in Cairo were estimated at 200,000, while over 100,000 supporters of Morsi gathered in Cairo to show support.<ref name="ctv112">{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Morsi calls for a nationwide referendum|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/egypts-president-morsi-calls-for-a-nationwide-referendum/|access-date=8 December 2012|newspaper=CTV News|date=1 December 2012}}</ref>
A number of Morsi's advisers resigned in protest, and many judges spoke out against his actions as well.<ref name="Kirkpatrick" /> Resignations were tendered by the director of state broadcasting, Rafik Habib (Christian vice president of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party), and Zaghloul el-Balshi (general secretary of the commission overseeing the planned constitutional referendum).<ref name="davidpgaz">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David|title=More Morsi Aides Resign as Egypt Deploys Tanks in Cairo|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/world/more-morsi-aides-resign-as-egypt-deploys-tanks-in-cairo-665257/|access-date=8 December 2012|newspaper=Post Gazette|date=6 December 2012|location=Cairo|archive-date=8 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208020413/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/world/more-morsi-aides-resign-as-egypt-deploys-tanks-in-cairo-665257/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Seven members of Morsi's 17-member advisory panel resigned in December 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian army moves to restore order after deadly protests over constitutional crisis |url=http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/22979.html |access-date=8 December 2012 |newspaper=The Vancouver Sun |date=6 December 2012 |author=Hamza Handawi |author2=Maggie Michael |agency=Associated Press |location=Cairo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202160047/http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/22979.html |archive-date=2 February 2015 }}</ref>
On 8 December 2012, Morsi annulled his temporary decree which had expanded his presidential authority and removed judicial review of his decrees, an Islamist official said, but added that the results of the temporary declaration would still stand.<ref name="alarab912">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Mursi annuls controversial decree, opposition says not enough|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/12/09/254059.html|access-date=9 December 2012|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=9 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209000212/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/12/09/254059.html|archive-date=9 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 22 December, the Constitution supported by Morsi was approved in a national referendum by 64% of the voters, with 33% of the electorate voting. The opposition claimed fraud in the process and called for an inquiry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/12/23/256597.html|title=Egypt's opposition to appeal 'fraudulent' referendum results|date=23 December 2012|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202164301/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/12/23/256597.html|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/23/egypt-referendum-opposition-fraud-inquiry|title=Egypt referendum: opposition calls for fraud inquiry|date=23 December 2012|work=The Guardian|location=London|first=Abdel-Rahman|last=Hussein}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-23/199656-egypt-opposition-cries-fraud-in-referendum.ashx#axzz2Y5wjd0HQ|title=Egypt opposition cries 'fraud' in referendum|date=23 December 2012|work=The Daily Star}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/23005.html Mohammed Morsi's ouster: Key events in Egypt's uprising and unrest]," ''India Today'', 4 July 2013. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202160112/http://www.25jan.tv/egypt/23005.html |date=2 February 2015 }}</ref>
On 30 June 2013, prior to the anti-government protests, Morsi supporters gathered in Rabaa el-Adaweya square to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Morsi's inauguration. In turn, tens of thousands of Morsi opponents massed in Tahrir Square and outside the Heliopolis Palace demanding Morsi's resignation and pre-term presidential elections.<ref name="http">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-middle-east-23122191|title=BBC in Egypt: 'People were not expecting this'|date=30 June 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> Demonstrations were also reported in 18 locations across Cairo<ref name="TheAtlanticJune30" /> and in other different locations across the country including Alexandria, El-Mahalla and cities in the Suez Canal region.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-idUSBRE95Q0NO20130630|title=Millions flood Egypt's streets to demand Mursi quit|date=30 June 2013|work=Reuters|first=Asma|last=Alsharif}}</ref><ref name="menasolidaritynetwork.com">{{cite web|url=http://menasolidaritynetwork.com/2013/06/28/egypt-mahalla-workers-join-rebellion-reject-privatisation-plans/|title=Egypt: Mahalla workers join rebellion, reject privatization plans|date=28 June 2013|work=MENA Solidarity Network}}</ref> Various political organizations supported the demonstrations, including the Tamarod movement formed by members of the Egyptian Movement for Change, which claimed to have collected 22 million signatures calling for Morsi's resignation.<ref name="AlArabiya30June" /><ref name="AlArabiya29June">{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/29/-Rebel-campaign-receives-more-than-22-million-signatures-in-anti-Mursi-petition.html|title=Anti-Mursi 'Rebel' campaign receives more than 22 million signatures|date=29 June 2013}}</ref>
On 3 July 2013, the Egyptian Armed Forces released a statement announcing the end of Morsi's presidency, following a 48-hour deadline demanding that Morsi "responds to the demands of the people."<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/03/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 |title=Morsy out in Egypt coup |publisher=CNN |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=3 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23173794|title=Egyptian army suspends constitution|work=BBC News|date=3 July 2013}}</ref> In the same statement, the military announced the constitution was suspended for amendments and that new elections would be held at a future date. The chief justice of the constitutional court, Adly Mansour, became head of a transitional government.<ref name="autogenerated1" />
Protesting Morsi's overthrow,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23233963 |title=BBC News – Egypt clashes: Divided views |publisher=BBC |date=9 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> his supporters staged large demonstrations in the Nasr City district of Cairo, and in Alexandria, Luxor, Damanhour, and Suez.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/2171108.html |title=Morsi supporters stage demonstrations in Alexandria, other cities |publisher=En.Trend.Az |date=16 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221046/http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/2171108.html |archive-date=8 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the aftermath, massacres<ref>{{cite web |last=Youssef |first=Nancy A. |url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/07/23/197464/tales-of-witnesses-to-cairo-massacre.html#.UfPR6o2R7ju |title=Tales of witnesses to Cairo massacre back pro-Morsi version | McClatchy |publisher=Mcclatchydc.com |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611004507/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/07/23/197464/tales-of-witnesses-to-cairo-massacre.html#.UfPR6o2R7ju |archive-date=11 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/cairo-massacre-eyewitness-report-at-least-51-dead-and-more-than-440-injured-as-army-hits-back-at-muslim-brotherhood-supporters-8694785.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/cairo-massacre-eyewitness-report-at-least-51-dead-and-more-than-440-injured-as-army-hits-back-at-muslim-brotherhood-supporters-8694785.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Cairo massacre eyewitness report: At least 51 dead and more than 440 injured as army hits back at Muslim Brotherhood supporters – Africa – World |work=The Independent|date=9 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013 |location=London |first1=Kim |last1=Sengupta |first2=Alastair |last2=Beach}}{{cbignore}}</ref> were perpetrated during clashes between Morsi supporters and Egyptian soldiers and security forces, including the Rabaa massacre and the Republican Guard clashes.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite news|last=Saleh |first=Yasmine |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-idUSBRE96O11Z20130727 |title=With dozens dead, U.S. tells Egypt to pull 'back from the brink' |publisher=Reuters |date= 27 July 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/201372774215454742.html |title=Scores killed in clashes at pro-Morsi rally – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/201372517948899595.html |title=Thousands rally in dueling protests in Egypt – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> In many cases, the Armed Forces denied shooting at demonstrators with live ammunition, contrary to claims by the Brotherhood, its supporters, and several Western media outlets.<ref>{{cite web |author=Catherine Thompson |url=http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/egyptian-army-denies-reports-it-shot-at-protesters |title=Egyptian Army Denies Reports It Shot at Protesters | TPM LiveWire |publisher=Livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228082914/http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/egyptian-army-denies-reports-it-shot-at-protesters |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="miamiherald.com">{{cite web|last=Youssef |first=Nancy A. |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/23/3516840/tales-of-witnesses-to-cairo-massacre.html |title=CAIRO: Tales of witnesses to Cairo massacre back pro-Morsi version – World |publisher=MiamiHerald.com |date=23 July 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vocativ.com/08-2013/live-blog-egypts-day-of-rage/ |title = Live blog: Egypt's day of rage—the roundup {{!}} Vocativ |access-date=4 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205174956/http://www.vocativ.com/08-2013/live-blog-egypts-day-of-rage/ |archive-date=5 February 2014 }}</ref>
==Background== [[File:President Mohamed Morsi.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Man in suit and tie|Mohamed Morsi in 2012]] On 22 November 2012, Morsi issued a constitutional declaration purporting to protect the Constituent Assembly of Egypt from judicial interference. The declaration stated that it only applied until a new constitution was ratified.<ref name="nullandvoid">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/morsi-urged-to-retract-edict-to-bypass-judges-in-egypt.html |title=Morsi Urged to Retract Edict to Bypass Judges |last=Kirkpatrick |first=David |newspaper=The New York Times |date=24 November 2012 |archive-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125134821/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/morsi-urged-to-retract-edict-to-bypass-judges-in-egypt.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |access-date=24 November 2012 }}</ref> The declaration also required new trials for people acquitted of Mubarak-era killings of protesters, and extended the mandate of the constituent assembly by two months. Additionally, the declaration authorized Morsi to take all measures necessary to these ends.<ref name="abcnews1" />
In effect, the declaration made all constitutional declarations, laws and decrees made since Morsi assumed power immune to appeal by any individual, political or governmental body.<ref name="BBC20121122">{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Mursi assumes sweeping powers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20451208|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=30 November 2012|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Stack">{{cite news|last=Stack|first=Liam|title=Anger in Egypt Over Power Grab by President Morsi|url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/23/anger-in-egypt-over-power-grab-by-president-morsi/?src=recg|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Kareem Fahim and David D. Kirkpatrick">{{cite news|title=Clashes Break Out After Morsi Seizes New Power in Egypt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/world/middleeast/amid-protest-egypts-leader-defends-his-new-powers.html?hp&pagewanted=all&_r=0|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=23 November 2012|author1=Kareem Fahim |author2=David D. Kirkpatrick }}</ref><ref name="AlJaz20121123">{{cite web|title=Morsi decree triggers mass protests in Egypt|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/201211235363344636.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=30 November 2012|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="WP20121123">{{cite news|title=President's decree of new powers divides Egypt|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/morsis-decree-sparks-rival-rallies-in-egypt/2012/11/23/288a1436-3571-11e2-bfd5-e202b6d7b501_story.html|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=23 November 2012|author1=Michael Birnbaum |author2=Joby Warrick }}</ref> Demonstrations both in support of and opposing Morsi broke out around Egypt after the declaration was made.
==Timeline==
===February 2012===
On 1 February 73 people were killed at a football game, in a stadium in Port Said. The riots began when fans of the team El Masry invaded the stadium, some of them carrying knives, and attacked fans of the rival team, Al Ahly. Initial media reports stated that more than 70 people were killed, with the death toll rising.
Numerous protests then took place, following this event. On Thursday, 2 February, protesters took to the streets of Cairo, enraged by the fact that the lax security had failed in preventing this tragedy from happening. Some of the protesters were heard chanting that Tantawi should be executed. The police then deployed tear gas, on the protesters.
===March 2012===
On 24 March, numerous protesters took to the streets, angry that the football team El-Masry was banned for two more seasons, following the riots last month. The army then attacked the protesters. At least one person was killed, and at least 18 others were injured.
===April 2012===
On 20 April, hundreds, possibly thousands, of protesters re-assembled in Cairo's Tahrir Square, demanding that the country's military rulers transfer power to a civilian government, sooner. They also wanted the Field Marshal, and leader of Egypt's military, Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, to step down.
On 14 April, several candidates in the upcoming presidential election were disqualified, for various reasons.
===May=== On 23–24 May, the first round of voting in the presidential elections took place. Many people went to the polls, to vote. The two candidates with the highest number of votes were the Muslim Brotherhood's replacement candidate, Mohamed Morsi, and Hosni Mubarak's last Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafik.
On 31 May, the decades-old State of Emergency was finally completely lifted, in Egypt.
===June=== On 2 June, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison, for complicity in the killings of protesters by police, during the revolution that eventually toppled him, in 2011. However, the judge also found him not guilty, on corruption charges. This, and the fact that he had not received the death penalty, led numerous protesters to immediately take to the streets, directly after the verdict was announced. On 14 June, Egypt's Constitutional Court ruled that a law preventing members of Hosni Mubarak's former government from running for President was unconstitutional, therefore letting Ahmed Shafik remain in the presidential race. The court also ruled that the mainly Islamist-led Parliament, should be dissolved. Both of these verdicts also led to protests, as well.
On 16–17 June, the second round of voting in the presidential elections took place. Both candidates claimed that they had won the election, and each accused the other of cheating. The results of the presidential election were initially going to be officially announced, on Thursday, 21 June. However, this date was later postponed.
On 18 June, the Muslim Brotherhood announced that its candidate, Morsi, had won the election. On the same day, the ruling military junta, (which is scheduled to transfer power to the newly elected President on 30 June), made a statement, in which they severely restricted the powers, of the Presidency. This led to huge protests in Tahrir Square, the biggest since those that eventually ousted Mubarak, more than a year earlier. Many of the protesters were members of the Muslim Brotherhood. On 19 June, the protests continued. Protesters rallied in Tahrir Square in Cairo, accusing the SCAF of planning a coup, and demanding that it back down.<ref name="Egypt Turmoil">{{cite news|title=Turmoil in Egypt: The struggle for the soul of a country|url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2012/06/23/the-struggle-for-the-soul-of-a-country|access-date=21 June 2012|newspaper=The Economist|date=23 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621180728/http://www.economist.com/node/21557351|archive-date=21 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
The results of the presidential election were officially announced on 24 June 2012. It was announced that Morsi had narrowly beat Shafik, gaining 52% of the votes, while Shafik got 48% of them. Right after the announcement, Morsi supporters in Tahrir Square celebrated their victory. It has also been noted that this is the first time since Hosni Mubarak's resignation, on 11 February 2011, that celebrations of this magnitude have occurred, in Egypt. However, even after the results of the presidential election were announced, numerous protesters still remained, in Tahrir Square. They were protesting the apparent power grab by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
On 30 June 2012, Morsi was sworn in as the fifth President of Egypt. This marked the first time in Egypt's history that a civilian president has been elected by the people. In the past, all of the other presidents were either from the military or had a military background.
The inauguration of Morsi led to the third wave of the revolution.
===July 2012===
On 8 July, Mohamed Morsi issued a decree calling back into session the dissolved parliament for 10 July 2012. Morsi's decree also called for new parliamentary elections to be held within 60 days of the adoption of a new constitution for the country, which was tentatively expected for late 2012. A constitutional assembly selected by the erstwhile parliament had been formed and had begun the work of drafting the constitution. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) held an emergency meeting in response to the decree, but adjourned the meeting without making an announcement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian parliament to convene Tuesday, official says|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/08/world/meast/egypt-politics/index.html?hpt=hp_t3|publisher=CNN|access-date=12 July 2012|author=Mohamed Fadel Fahmy|date=8 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsi makes bid to reinstate Islamist parliament|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypts-morsi-makes-bid-to-reinstate-islamist-parliament/2012/07/08/gJQAQTnDWW_story.html|access-date=12 July 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=8 July 2012|author1=Steve Hendrix |author2=Ernesto Londoño }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian President Mursi reverses parliament dissolution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18761403|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=12 July 2012|date=8 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Orders Return of Parliament|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/09/world/middleeast/egypts-president-orders-return-of-dissolved-parliament.html?_r=2|access-date=12 July 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 July 2012|author1=Kareem Fahim |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's Morsi orders parliament to reconvene|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/201278153339685112.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=12 July 2012|date=9 July 2012}}</ref>
On 9 July, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's order to reconvene parliament was rejected by Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court which said after meeting on 9 July 2012 that all its rulings and decisions, including its judgement that part of the election for parliament was unconstitutional and which led in return to the assembly's dissolution by the SCAF, are final, not subject to appeal and binding for all state institutions. With its ruling the court asserted that Morsi had no right to reconvene parliament after the court ordered it dissolved in June 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court challenges Mursi's reopening of parliament|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18765947|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=12 July 2012|date=9 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="AlJaz20120710" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Watson|first=Ivan|title=Court overrules Egypt's president on parliament|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/10/world/meast/egypt-politics/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=12 July 2012|date=10 July 2012}}</ref> Though the constituent assembly tasked with drawing up Egypt's new constitution was functioning, after being selected by the dissolved parliament, the SCAF also gave itself the power to choose a new assembly if the current one ran into any problems according to Al Jazeera.<ref name="AlJaz20120710">{{cite web|title=Egypt's top court rebukes president's decree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/201279124421528560.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=12 July 2012|date=10 July 2012}}</ref> In its 9 July statement the military council said its constitutional declaration which gave it broad powers "came as a result of the political, legal and constitutional circumstances that the country was facing" and added that the declaration "ensures the continuity of state institutions and the [military council] until a new constitution is drafted". The military said it was "confident" that all state institutions will respect constitutional declarations.<ref name="AlJaz20120710"/>
On 10 July, Egypt's parliament convened despite dissolution, but the session was adjourned by Speaker Saad al-Katatni after the members of parliament approved Katatni's proposal that the parliament seek legal advice from the Court of Cassation on how to implement the supreme court's ruling. Thousands gathered in Cairo in protest of a ruling by Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court to freeze the decree issued by President Mohamed Morsi to reinstate the Islamist-led parliament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's parliament convenes despite dissolution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18777150|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=13 July 2012|date=10 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt parliament meets in defiance of court|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/201271054440593307.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=13 July 2012|date=10 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thousands in Cairo protest high court ruling|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/20127101852134809.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=13 July 2012|date=11 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="CNN20120712"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court overturns President Mursi parliament order|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18789992|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=13 July 2012|date=10 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="WP20120710">{{cite news|title=Morsi convenes Egypt's parliament in defiance of court and military|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/morsi-convenes-egypts-parliament-in-defiance-of-court-and-military/2012/07/10/gJQAGHr9ZW_story_1.html/2012/07/10/gJQAGHr9ZW_story.html|access-date=13 July 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=10 July 2012|author1=Ernesto Londoño |author2=Steve Hendrix }}</ref> While the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that Morsi did not have the right to reconstitute the body,<ref name="WP20120710"/> it also threatened the new president with the equivalent of contempt of court if he continued to reject its decisions.<ref name="NYT20120710">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Egyptian Leaders Meet in Defiance of Court and Military|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/11/world/middleeast/egyptian-parliamentary-deputies-defy-court-and-military.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all|access-date=13 July 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=10 July 2012}}</ref> Parliament asked Egypt's Court of Cassation to essentially overrule the aspect of the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision holding that the whole Parliament must be immediately dissolved because of flaws in the electoral system used to fill a third of the seats. The Administrative Court (whose function is the review of executive actions), besides the Supreme Constitutional Court (whose function is the review of statutes) and Court of Cassation (whose function is the handling of appeals of lower court rulings) one of the three highest Courts in Egypt, was also weighing that question and has said it would issue its own ruling on 17 July.<ref name="NYT20120710" />
On 11 July, Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi declared he would seek dialogue with political forces and judicial authorities to resolve the row over the dissolved parliament. He also said that he would respect Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court ruling that blocked his decision to call the nation's parliament back into session.<ref name="CNN20120712">{{cite news|title=Egypt's president vows to 'respect' court ruling on parliament|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/11/world/meast/egypt-politics/index.html?hpt=iaf_c1|publisher=CNN|access-date=13 July 2012|date=12 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Morsi pledges respect for Egypt court rulings|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/2012711171531842973.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=13 July 2012|date=11 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Mursi seeks talks on parliament row|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18800533|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=13 July 2012|date=11 July 2012}}</ref>
On 14 July, the parliament's request to examine Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court ruling that dissolved the Islamist-led assembly was rebuffed by the Court of Cassation. Egypt's highest appeals court unanimously ruled on 14 July 2012 it had no jurisdiction over the implementation of the 14 June 2012 constitutional court ruling.<ref>{{cite news|title=assation Court claims it has no jurisdiction over parliament fight|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/14/cassation-court-claims-it-has-no-jurisdiction-over-parliament-fight/|access-date=15 July 2012|newspaper=The Daily News Egypt|date=14 July 2012|author=Rana Muhammad Taha}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt appeals court says no jurisdiction over Parliament rulings|url=http://www.bikyamasr.com/72755/egypt-appeals-court-says-no-jurisdiction-over-parliament-rulings/|publisher=bikyamasr.com|access-date=15 July 2012|date=14 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717003243/http://www.bikyamasr.com/72755/egypt-appeals-court-says-no-jurisdiction-over-parliament-rulings|archive-date=17 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Appeals Court Rejects Requests To Hear Parliament Case|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-14/egypt-appeals-court-rejects-requests-to-hear-parliament-case-1-.html|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=15 July 2012|author=Alaa Shahine|date=14 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Appeals Court rejects suit on parliament legality|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/47669/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-appeals-court-rejects-suit-on-parliament-leg.aspx|access-date=15 July 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=14 July 2012}}</ref>
On 16 July, more than 20000 workers at Egypt's largest textiles manufacturing company, which saw major strikes in 2006 and 2008, began their first day of strikes demanding an increase in wages and more government investment in their sector.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/egyworkers-strike-mahalla-0022286 |title=Egyworkers strike in Mahalla |publisher=Stream.aljazeera.com |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=8 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029030355/http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/egyworkers-strike-mahalla-0022286 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 19 July, the Administrative Judiciary Court of the State Council put on hold all appeals against the formulation of the Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting a new constitution, until the court decided on 30 July 2012 on suits calling for a change of the judge presiding over the case. The court was also looking at a case filed against the supplementary constitutional decree released by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces days before President Mohamed Morsi's inauguration, and another against the president's decision to bring back the People's Assembly, parliament's lower house that SCAF dissolved after the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled the parliamentary elections law unconstitutional. The court ruled lack of jurisdiction on both cases and referred the latter back to the Supreme Constitutional Court.<ref>{{cite news|title=Administrative court recuses itself from controversial cases|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/administrative-court-recuses-itself-controversial-cases|access-date=19 July 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent also known as Al-masry Al-youm|date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sanchez|first=Luiz|title=Administrative Court deflects verdicts|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/19/administrative-court-deflects-verdicts/|access-date=19 July 2012|newspaper=The Daily Egypt|date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fate of People's Assembly referred back to Egypt's High Constitutional Court|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/48154/Egypt/Politics-/Fate-of-Peoples-Assembly-referred-back-to-Egypts-H.aspx|access-date=19 July 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt court says can't rule on fate of parliament|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20120719-egypt-court-says-cant-rule-fate-parliament|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=France24|access-date=19 July 2012|date=19 July 2012|archive-date=6 September 2012|archive-url=http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20120906045621/http://www.france24.com/en/20120719-egypt-court-says-cant-rule-fate-parliament|url-status=dead}}</ref> Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi ordered to release 572 people detained by the Egyptian military in the 2011 protests, and reduced the sentence of 16 others from life sentence to seven years in jail.<ref name="BBC20121009"/>
On 30 July, the Administrative Judiciary Court of the State Council ruled on 30 July to postpone the case calling for the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly to 24 September, giving the assembly enough time to complete the drafting of Egypt's new constitution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Constituent Assembly lives to fight another day|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/30/constituent-assembly-lives-to-fight-another-day/|access-date=30 July 2012|newspaper=The Daily Egypt|date=30 July 2012|author=Ahmed Aboul Enein}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Court to rule on replacing Constituent Assembly case judges in September|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/court-rule-replacing-constituent-assembly-case-judges-september|access-date=30 July 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=30 July 2012}}</ref>
===August 2012===
On 2 August, the first Cabinet under President Mohamed MorsI headed by Prime Minister Hesham Kandil was sworn in.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sirgany|first=Sarah|title=Egypt Cabinet ministers sworn in|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/02/world/africa/egypt-cabinet/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=2 August 2012|date=2 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New Egyptian Cabinet Includes Many Holdovers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/03/world/middleeast/new-egyptian-cabinet.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast|access-date=2 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 August 2012|author1=Karim Fahim |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New Egypt government puts Brotherhood in key posts|url=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=235&sid=18162922&title=new-egypt-government-puts-brotherhood-in-key-posts|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ksl.com|access-date=2 August 2012|author=Hamza Hendawi|date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115210833/http://www.ksl.com/?nid=235&sid=18162922&title=new-egypt-government-puts-brotherhood-in-key-posts|archive-date=15 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Preliminary list of cabinet ministers revealed|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/08/01/preliminary-list-of-cabinet-ministers-revealed/|access-date=2 August 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=1 August 2012|author=Ahmed Aboul Enein}}</ref>
On 5 August the 2012 Egyptian–Israeli border attack took place.<ref>{{cite news|title=2012 Egyptian–Israeli border attack|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/world/middleeast/gunmen-storm-egyptian-base-killing-15-soldiers.html?ref=middleeast|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=5 August 2012|author1=Kareem Fahim |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rudoren|first=Jodi|title=Sinai Attack Tests New Egyptian President's Relationship With Israel|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/world/middleeast/sinai-attack-a-test-for-israel-egypt-and-gaza.html?ref=middleeast|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Israeli Defense Chief Says Egypt Attack a 'Wake-Up Call'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/world/middleeast/sinai-attack-a-wake-up-call-to-egypt-israel-says.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 August 2012|author1=Jori Rudoren |author2=Kareem Fahim }}</ref> Following this event Egypt's President Morsi fired his intelligence chief, the head of the military police, several Interior Ministry officials, the head of the presidential guard and the governor of North Sinai,<ref name="NYT20120808">{{cite news|last=Faheem|first=Karim|title=Egyptian Officials Fired Over Soldiers' Killings in Sinai|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/09/world/middleeast/egypt-sinai-attacks.html?ref=africa|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 August 2012}}</ref> while the President during a trip to the border region vowed with respect to the victims of the attack. "We will never, ever rest until we take revenge and bring back justice to those killed."<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian president visits troubled border area|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/10/world/meast/egypt-violence/index.html|work=CNN WireStaff|publisher=CNN|access-date=12 August 2012|date=10 August 2012}}</ref>
On 8 August, following the 2012 Egyptian–Israeli border attack Egyptian forces launched aerial strikes on militants in response to a series of attacks by masked gunmen on military checkpoints as part of a broader operation against Islamist militant organizations in the Sinai Peninsula.<ref name="NYT20120808" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Fahim|first=Kareem|title=After Protest, Egypt's Morsi Skips Funeral for Soldiers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/08/world/middleeast/morsi-egyptian-president-misses-funeral-for-soldiers.html|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=7 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt launches airstrikes in Sinai after troop massacre|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/08/world/africa/egypt-violence/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=12 August 2012|author=Mohamed Fadel Fahmy|date=9 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Fahim|first=Kareem|title=After Sinai Killings, Cairo Tightens Grip on a Neglected Region|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/11/world/middleeast/egypt-tightens-grip-on-sinai.html?ref=africa|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=10 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Eagle">{{cite web| url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/49956/Egypt/Politics-/Operation-Eagle-will-not-stop-until-Sinai-is-terro.aspx|title='Operation Eagle' will not stop until Sinai is terror-free: Egypt's military|publisher=Al Ahram| date=8 August 2012|access-date=9 August 2012|author1=Ahmed Eleiba |author2=Hatem Maher |author3=Sherif Tarek }}</ref>
On 12 August, Morsi asked Mohamad Hussein Tantawi, head of the country's armed forces, and Sami Anan, the Army chief of staff, to resign<ref name=bbc12812>{{cite news|title=Egypt leader Mursi orders army chief Tantawi to resign|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19234763|access-date=12 August 2012|work=BBC News|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> and Morsi assumed legislative powers.<ref name="NYT20120812" /><ref name="JPost20120814"/><ref name="WP20120812"/><ref name="CNN20120813"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Knell|first=Yolande|title=Mursi's surprising swipe at military powe|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19240200|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=16 September 2012|date=13 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="AlJaz20120813"/><ref name="DNE20120812"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Morsy sacks Tantawi and Anan|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/08/12/morsy-sacks-tantawi-and-anan/|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The Daily News Egypt|date=12 August 2012|author=Ahmed Aboul Enein}}</ref><ref name="AhramOnline20120812"/> Morsi's spokesman, Yasser Ali, announced that both Tantawi and Anan would remain advisers to the president. Tantawi and Anan were kept on as "special counsels to the president" with undisclosed roles<ref name="NYT20120812" /><ref name="JPost20120814">{{cite news|last=Mazel|first=Zvi|title=Analysis: Morsy's velvet revolution|url=https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=281138|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=14 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="CNN20120813">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsy sends defense minister, top general to 'retirement'|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/12/world/meast/egypt-morsy/index.html?hpt=wo_c1|work=CNN Wire Staff|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 September 2012|date=13 August 2012}}</ref> and were given Egypt's highest state honour, the Grand Collar of the Nile.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt leader Mursi orders army chief Tantawi to resign|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19234763|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=16 September 2012|date=12 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Rageh|first=Rawya|title=Morsi's surprise sackings|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/blog/middle-east/morsis-surprise-sackings|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=16 September 2012|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Morsi named Abdul Fatah al-Sisi, who served as chief of military intelligence until 2014, as Egypt's new defense minister.<ref name="WP20120812"/><ref name="DNE20120812"/><ref name="JPost20120818">{{cite news|last=Paraszczuk|first=Joanna|title=Egypt's Morsy appoints new VP, defense minister, army chief|url=https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=280968|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=18 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=nyt81212/> He also replaced Egypt Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sami Hafez Anan with General Sedki Sobhi.<ref name="JPost20120818"/> General Mohamed al-Assar, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, was named an assistant defense minister.<ref name="NYT20120812"/><ref name="AhramOnline20120812">{{cite news|title=Morsi retires Egypt's top army leaders; amends 2011 Constitutional Declaration; appoints vice president|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/50239/Egypt/Politics-/Morsi-retires-Egypts-top-army-leaders;-amends--Con.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Morsi also pushed out the chiefs of the navy, the air force and the air defense branch of Egypt armed forces.<ref name="NYT20120812"/><ref name="AlJaz20120813"/> More specifically Vice Admiral Mohab Mamish, Commander of the Egyptian Navy; Lieutenant General Abd El Aziz Seif-Eldeen, Commander of the Egyptian Air Defense Forces; and Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez, Commander of the Egyptian Air Force were relieved from duty and moved on to civilian roles.<ref name="DNE20120812">{{cite news|title=Morsy assumes power: Sacks Tantawi and Anan, reverses constitutional decree and reshuffles SCAF|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/08/12/morsy-assumes-power-sacks-tantawi-and-anan-reverses-constitutional-decree-and-reshuffles-scaf/|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The Daily News Egypt|date=12 August 2012|author=Ahmed Aboul Enein}}</ref> Morsi said his decisions had not been intended to humiliate the military.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sunday decisions 'not meant to embarrass' any state institution: Morsi|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/140/50272/Egypt/First--days/Sunday-decisions-not-meant-to-embarrass-any-state-.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=13 August 2012}}</ref> "I never meant to antagonize anyone," Morsi said. "We go on to new horizons, with new generations, with new blood that has long been awaited."<ref name="NYT20120812"/> "I want the armed forces to devote themselves to a mission that is holy to all of us, which is protecting the nation," he said in a televised address.<ref name="WP20120812">{{cite news|last=Londoño|first=Ernesto|title=Egypt's Morsi replaces military chiefs in bid to consolidate power|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypts-morsi-orders-retirement-of-defense-minister-chief-of-staff-names-vp/2012/08/12/a5b26402-e497-11e1-8f62-58260e3940a0_story.html|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> "The decisions I took today were not meant ever to target certain persons, nor did I intend to embarrass institutions, nor was my aim to narrow freedoms," he said. "I did not mean to send a negative message about anyone, but my aim was the benefit of this nation and its people."<ref name="AlJaz20120813">{{cite web|title=Crowds in Cairo praise Morsi's army overhaul|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201281215511142445.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=16 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt President Mursi explains army chief replacement|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19238919|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=16 September 2012|date=13 August 2012}}</ref> Morsi also announced that the constitutional amendments passed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) that had gutted the authority of his office, were invalid and replaced them with a declaration that gave him broad legislative and executive powers in addition to a decisive role in the drafting of Egypt's still unfinished new constitution.<ref name="NYT20120812">{{cite news|last=Fahim|first=Kareem|title=In Upheaval for Egypt, Morsi Forces Out Military Chiefs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/world/middleeast/egyptian-leader-ousts-military-chiefs.html?_r=3&ref=global-home|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=AJ128/> In addition Morsi appointed a senior judge and Muslim Brotherhood favorite, Mahmoud Mekki, as his vice president.<ref name="JPost20120818"/> The new constitutional decree Morsi released was made up of just four articles.<ref name="DNE20120812"/><ref>{{cite news|title=English text of President Morsi's new Egypt Constitutional Declaration|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/140/50248/Egypt/First--days/English-text-of-President-Morsis-new-Egypt-Constit.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Among the powers Morsi assumed was the power to select a new panel to write Egypt's constitution, if the current panel could finish its work, and the full power to author, approve, and promulgate legislation.<ref name="NYT20120812"/><ref name="DNE20120812"/><ref name="AlabassTarekAhram20120813"/> This marked the "completion of Egyptian revolution," said an unidentified spokesman according to the Jerusalem Post.<ref name="JPost20120818"/> ''The New York Times'' described the move as an "upheaval" and a "stunning purge", given the power that SCAF had taken after the fall of Mubarak.<ref name=nyt81212>{{cite news|title=Egyptian Leader Ousts Military Chief|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/world/middleeast/egyptian-leader-ousts-military-chiefs.html?hp|author=Kareem Fahim|access-date=12 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Morsi's moves triggered support for and protest against his 12 August decisions,<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsi's Sunday surprise met with broad support by Egypt political forces|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/140/50261/Egypt/First--days/Morsis-Sunday-surprise-met-with-broad-support-by-E.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=13 August 2012|author1=Randa Ali |author2=Sara Mourad }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Levin|first=Josh|title=Egypt's Morsy: 'Imperial' president or step forward for revolution?|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/13/world/meast/egypt-political-analysis/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 September 2012|date=14 August 2012}}</ref> while legal experts questioned legitimacy of Morsi's constitutional changes<ref name="AlabassTarekAhram20120813">{{cite news|title=Legal experts question legitimacy of Morsi's constitutional changes|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/50274/Egypt/Politics-/Legal-experts-question-legitimacy-of-Morsis-consti.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=13 August 2012|author1=Bassem Abo Alabass |author2=Sherif Tarek }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Trew|first=Bel|title=Morsi's counterpunch: A reading of Egypt latest Constitutional Declaration|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/140/50260/Egypt/First--days/Morsis-counterpunch-A-reading-of-Egypt-latest-Cons.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> and conflicting reports emerged from military officials over whether Morsi consulted with the armed forces regarding his decision to retire Tantawi and Anan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsi may have consulted military on Sunday surprise|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/50247/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Morsi-may-have-consulted-military-on-Sunday.aspx|access-date=16 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=12 August 2012}}</ref> Al Jazeera described it as "escalating the power struggle" between the president and military.<ref name=AJ128>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201281215511142445.html |title=Egypt's president asserts authority over army |date=12 August 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |archive-date=13 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813105926/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/201281215511142445.html |access-date=12 August 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 14 August 2012, Mohamed Salem, an Egyptian lawyer, filed a legal challenge over Morsi's removal of Tantawi and Anan, arguing that Morsi planned to bring back the totalitarian regime.<ref name=lawsuitreu>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Mursi faces lawsuit over removal of power curbs|author=Tamim Elyan|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/egypt-mursi-challenge-idUSL6E8JE9D220120814|access-date=14 August 2012|work=Reuters|date=14 August 2012}}</ref>
On 23 August, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi issued a new law cancelling the Mubarak-era practice of temporarily detaining journalists for so-called "publication offences," including the charge of "offending the president of the republic."<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsi ends preventive custody for journalists charged in 'press crimes'|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/140/51121/Egypt/First--days/Morsi-ends-preventive-custody-for-journalists-char.aspx|access-date=24 August 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=23 August 2012|author=Zeinab El Gundy}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Morsy annuls preventive detention for journalists|url=http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/08/23/morsy-annuls-preventive-detention-for-journalists/|access-date=24 August 2012|newspaper=Daily News Egypt|date=23 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="ReutersHaaretz20120823">{{cite web|title=Egypt's Morsi passes law against media detention|url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/egypt-s-morsi-passes-law-against-media-detention-1.460380|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823225932/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/egypt-s-morsi-passes-law-against-media-detention-1.460380|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2012|agency=Reuters|publisher=Haaretz|access-date=24 August 2012|date=23 August 2012}}</ref> With this law Morsi outlawed the pretrial detention of people accused of press crimes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian President's Move Ends Detention of Critic|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/world/middleeast/morsi-move-ends-detention-of-a-critic.html?_r=1&src=un&feedurl=http://json8.nytimes.com/pages/world/middleeast/index.jsonp|access-date=24 August 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=23 August 2012|author1=Kareem Fahim |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref> A Constitutional Declaration issued by Morsi earlier in August 2012 gave the president full legislative powers, which he will command until the election of a new parliament.<ref name="ReutersHaaretz20120823"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Journalist's detention sparks fury among Egypt's political class|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/1/51096/Egypt/Journalists-detention-sparks-fury-among-Egypts-pol.aspx|access-date=24 August 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=23 August 2012}}</ref>
===September 2012=== On 8 September, the Administrative Court of the State Council postponed its decision on the constitutionality of Egypt's Constituent Assembly until 2 October 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ruling determining fate of Constituent Assembly postponed until October|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/52363/Egypt/0/Ruling-determining-fate-of-Constituent-Assembly-po.aspx|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=8 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Constituent Assembly case adjourned to 2 October, MB drop court challenge|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/constituent-assembly-case-adjourned-2-october-mb-drop-court-challenge|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=Al-masry Al-youm|date=8 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's constituent assembly case postponed until Oct 2|url=http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201209081929-pol-ren1055-egypt_s_constituent_assembly_case_postponed_until_oct_2|publisher=AGL|access-date=24 September 2012|date=8 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218152120/http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201209081929-pol-ren1055-egypt_s_constituent_assembly_case_postponed_until_oct_2|archive-date=18 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 11 September, a protest was organized by Wesam Abdel-Wareth, a Salafist leader and president of Egypt's Hekma television channel, who called for a gathering at 5 pm in front of the United States Embassy, to protest against a film that he thought was named ''Muhammad's Trial'', which is actually called Innocence of Muslims.<ref name="ahram">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/52567/Egypt/Egypt-army-intervenes-to-pacify-Salafist-protest-a.aspx Egypt army intervenes to pacify Salafist protest at U.S. embassy], Ahram Online, 11 September 2012.</ref><ref name="sfgate0914">[http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Egyptian-Protesters-Scale-U-S-Embassy-Walls-Rip-3865961.php "Egyptian Protesters Scale U.S. Embassy Walls, Rip Down Flag"], ''San Francisco Chronicle'', 14 September 2012.</ref> After the trailer for the film began circulating, [https://twitter.com/naderbakkar Nader Bakkar], the Egyptian Salafist Nour Party's spokesman, and Muhammad al-Zawahiri, the brother of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawihiri, called for Egyptians to assemble outside of the American embassy.<ref name="Blind sheikh motive">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012/09/12/libyan-officials-us-ambassador-killed-in-attack/57752828/1| title=Deadly embassy attacks were days in the making|work=USA Today|date=13 September 2012|access-date=16 September 2012|author1=Lynch, Sara |author2=Dorell, Oren }}</ref> About 3,000 demonstrators, many of them from the ultraconservative Salafist movement, responded to his call. A dozen men were then reported to have scaled the embassy walls, after which one of them tore down the flag of the United States and replaced it with a black Islamist flag with the inscription of the ''shahada'': "There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God". Some of the protesters also wrote "There is no God but Allah" on the compound walls. According to Sherine Tadros of ''Al Jazeera'', the protesters demanded that the film be taken "out of circulation" and that some of the protesters would stay at the site until that happens. Thousands of Egyptian riot police were at the embassy following the breach of the walls; they eventually persuaded the trespassers to leave the compound without the use of force. After that, only a few hundred protesters remained outside the compound.<ref name="aljaz">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/20129112108737726.html|title=US envoy dies in Benghazi consulate attack|date=12 September 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref> Egypt's prime minister Hesham Kandil said "a number" of protesters later confessed to getting paid to participate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/world/meast/egypt-us-embassy-protests/index.html|title=Amid uneasy calm in Cairo, prime minister says some were paid to protest|date=15 September 2012|publisher=CNN}}</ref>
On 14 September, in the town of Sheikh Zuwayed in the Sinai Peninsula, protesters stormed a compound of the Multinational Force and Observers, designed to monitor the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The peacekeeping force opened fire on the protesters. Two members of the peacekeeping force were wounded.<ref name=reuters914>{{cite news|title=Anti-American fury sweeps Middle East over film|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-protests-idUSBRE88D0O320120914|publisher=Reuters|access-date=14 September 2012|date=14 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/anti-islam-video-protests/ultraconservative-protesters-storm-un-sinai-camp|title=Ultraconservative protesters storm UN Sinai camp|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=14 September 2012|access-date=14 September 2012}}</ref> Ahmad Fouad Ashoush, a Salafist Muslim cleric, said: "I issue a fatwa and call on the Muslim youth in America and Europe to do this duty, which is to kill the director, the producer and the actors and everyone who helped and promoted the film."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/lebanon/9549664/Fatwa-issued-against-Innocence-of-Muslims-film-producer.html |title=Fatwa issued against 'Innocence of Muslims' film producer |work=The Telegraph|date=18 September 2012 |access-date=9 December 2012 |location=London}}</ref> Another Muslim cleric, Ahmed Abdullah (aka Abu Islam) tore up the Bible and threw the torn pages on the ground during 11 September embassy attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/sep/20/the-price-of-obamas-muslim-empathy/ |title=The price of Obama's Muslim empathy |publisher=Washingtontimes.com |date=20 September 2012 |access-date=9 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aina.org/news/20120913204249.htm |title=Muslim Cleric Tears Bible at Protest Outside the US Embassy in Cairo |publisher=Aina.org |date=14 September 2012 |access-date=9 December 2012}}</ref>
On 22 September, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court upheld an earlier Supreme Constitutional Court ruling, which had ordered the dissolution of the lower house of Egypt's parliament (People's Assembly) based on the unconstitutionality of some of the parliamentary elections law. The administrative court said that since the electoral laws on which the People's Assembly was elected were found to be unconstitutional, the entire composition of the assembly is invalid.<ref>{{cite web|title=Egyptian court rules parliament's lower house "null"|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-09/23/c_131867235.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927224429/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-09/23/c_131867235.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2012|publisher=Xinhua|access-date=24 September 2012|date=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court upholds dissolution of house|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-68809-Egypt-court-upholds-dissolution-of-house|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=The News International|date=23 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Administrative court upholds ruling to dissolve Parliament|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/administrative-court-upholds-ruling-dissolve-parliament|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=23 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Islamists slam parliament's death knell, liberals celebrate|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/53609/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-Islamists-slam-parliaments-death-knell,-libe.aspx|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=23 September 2012}}</ref>
On 23 September, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court issued a verdict supporting the right of former members of the now-defunct National Democratic Party (NDP), which was formally disbanded by an administrative court in April 2011, the NDP to run in parliamentary elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court upholds former NDP members' right to contest parliament|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/53634/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-court-upholds-former-NDP-members-right-to-co.aspx|access-date=24 September 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=23 September 2012|author=Zeinab El Gundy}}</ref>
===October 2012===
On 1 October, Egypt's doctors began a partial strike that lasted for weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/egypt-doctors-strike-better-wages-services-172738842.html|title=Egypt doctors strike for better wages, services|date=1 October 2012|work=Yahoo News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/health/la-xpm-2012-oct-16-la-fg-egypt-health-care-20121017-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Jeffrey | last=Fleishman | title=In Egypt, doctors see strike as their 'last resort' | date=16 October 2012}}</ref>
On 2 October, The Administrative Court of the State Council postponed its decision on the constitutionality of Egypt's Constituent Assembly until 9 October 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian court continues review into Constituent Assembly|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/54517/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-court-continues-review-into-Constituent-A.aspx|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=2 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ruling on constitution panel delayed amid splits|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/ruling-on-constitution-panel-delayed-amid-splits-1.1084222|publisher=Gulf News|access-date=2 October 2012|author=Ramadan Al Sherbini|date=18 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Three legal challenges to Constituent Assembly postponed|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/three-legal-challenges-constituent-assembly-postponed|access-date=2 October 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=2 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Whittle|first=Thomas|title=Verdict on dissolution of Egypt's Constituent Assembly postponed|url=http://www.nzweek.com/world/verdict-on-dissolution-of-egypts-constituent-assembly-postponed-8462/|work=Xinhua|publisher=NZ Week|access-date=2 October 2012|date=2 October 2012}}</ref>
On 8 October, Egyptian president Morsi ordered a pardon for all persons who already had convictions and those who were still under investigation or who were on trial for deeds "committed with the aim of supporting the revolution and bringing about its objectives." The decree included felonies and misdemeanors committed to support the uprising to achieve its goals from 25 January 2011 until 30 June 2012 except crimes of first degree murder. It abided the general prosecutor and the military attorney general. Each one in his field was to publish a list for those given amnesty in the official newspaper. The persons missed could submit a complaint within a month of the date of publication, and one or more committees would be formed to consider the complaints under the presidency of the head of court of cessation within thirty days of the date of the complaints.<ref name="BBC20121009">{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Mursi pardons 'revolutionaries'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19877428|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gayathri|first=Amrutha|title=Egypt's President Pardons Prisoners of Revolution|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/egypts-president-pardons-prisoners-revolution-843225|newspaper=International Business Times|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's President pardons revolutionaries of 2011–2012|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_10_09/Egypt-s-President-pardons-revolutionaries-of-2011-2012/|publisher=The Voice of Russia|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010024949/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_10_09/Egypt-s-President-pardons-revolutionaries-of-2011-2012/|archive-date=10 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's President pardons all political prisoners|url=http://www.euronews.com/2012/10/09/egypt-s-president-pardons-all-political-prisoners/|publisher=Euronews|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012|archive-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012004629/http://www.euronews.com/2012/10/09/egypt-s-president-pardons-all-political-prisoners|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's President pardons 'revolutionaries'|url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/3035296_Egypt-s-President-pardons--revolutionaries--|publisher=Press Trust of India|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Areeb Hasni|title=Egypt: President Mursi pardons all 'revolution' detainees|url=http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/10/09/egypt-president-mursi-pardons-all-revolution-detainees/|publisher=The News Tribe|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012|archive-date=11 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011085137/http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/10/09/egypt-president-mursi-pardons-all-revolution-detainees/|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mursi pardons those convicted over 'revolution'|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/09/242632.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=9 October 2012|date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009040006/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/09/242632.html|archive-date=9 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Marwa Awad|title=Egypt's Mursi pardons political prisoners|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-president-pardonbre89711k-20121008,0,394341.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617033031/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-president-pardonbre89711k-20121008,0,394341.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2013|agency=Reuters|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=9 October 2012|date=October 2012}}</ref>
On 9 October, The Administrative Court of the State Council postponed its decision on the constitutionality of Egypt's Constituent Assembly until 16 October 2012 in order to review more documents.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court postpones case against Constituent Assembly|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/55205/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-court-postpones-case-against-Constituent-Ass.aspx|access-date=10 October 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=10 October 2012}}</ref>
On 10 October, Egypt's prosecutor general Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud failed to win a conviction of two dozen Mubarak allies charged with orchestrating an attack by thugs on the protesters who ousted Mubarak. Some of the thugs were mounted, and the resulting melee became known as 2 February 2011 Battle of the Camels where men riding horses and camels charged into crowds on Cairo's Tahrir Square, setting off two days of clashes that ended with killing of nearly a dozen people.<ref name="APBoston20121011"/><ref name="NYT20121011">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Egypt's Chief Prosecutor Resists President's Effort to Oust Him|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/12/world/middleeast/egypts-chief-prosecutor-refuses-morsis-effort-to-oust-him.html?_r=1&|access-date=14 October 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=11 October 2012}}</ref> Activist groups and political parties called for a nationwide protest on 12 October 2011 after a court acquitted all 24 people charged with involvement in the Battle of Camels.<ref name="WP20121011">{{cite news|last=Hauslohner|first=Abigail|title=Egypt's Morsi moves to dismiss top prosecutor after 'camel battle' acquittals|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypts-morsi-moves-to-dismiss-top-prosecutor-after-camel-battle-acquittals/2012/10/11/d761795c-13e5-11e2-be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html|access-date=14 October 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
On 11 October, despite the fact that Egyptian law protects the prosecutor general from being ousted by the president, President Morsi ordered Egypt's prosecutor general Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud to leave his position to defuse public anger over acquittals in the Battle of the Camels case. Mahmoud, however, refused to step down and become Egypt's ambassador to the Vatican.<ref name="APBoston20121011">{{cite news|last=Michael|first=Maggie|title=Egypt's prosecutor general refuses to resign|url=https://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2012/10/11/egypt-president-removes-prosecutor-general-acquittals-regime-loyalists-spark-anger/nbpqGsoWlJGvDeXMKy7YqK/story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014152751/http://www.boston.com/news/world/middle-east/2012/10/11/egypt-president-removes-prosecutor-general-acquittals-regime-loyalists-spark-anger/nbpqGsoWlJGvDeXMKy7YqK/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2012|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Boston.com|date=11 October 2012|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121011"/><ref name="WP20121011"/><ref name="APHP20121012"/>
On 12 October, critics and supporters of President Morsi clashed in Cairo's Tahrir Square during a rally, as liberal and secular activists erupted with anger accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of trying to take over the country. The rally sharpened the nation's tensions over its political direction and the failure to bring loyalists of the former government to justice for their actions during Battle of the Camels<ref name="APHP20121012">{{cite news|title=Egypt Protests: Chants Against Mohammed Morsi Trigger Scuffle|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/egypt-protests_n_1961078.html|agency=Associated Press|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=14 October 2012|author1=Maggie Michael |author2=Aya Batrawy |date=12 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="LATimes20121012">{{cite news|title=Islamists and activists clash in Egypt's Tahrir Square|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/10/islamists-and-activists-clash-in-tahrir-square.html|access-date=14 October 2012|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|date=12 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Supporters and Opponents of Egypt's President Clash|url=http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/10/12/supporters-and-opponents-of-egypts-president-clash/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017072223/http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/10/12/supporters-and-opponents-of-egypts-president-clash/|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2012|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=14 October 2012|date=12 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leyne|first=Jon|title=Egypt's new government struggles amid Tahrir clashes|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19933571|publisher=BBC Middle East|access-date=14 October 2012|date=12 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121012">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=as law gives immunity to the prosecutor general from being ousted by the president|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/13/world/middleeast/mohamed-morsis-critics-and-backers-clash-in-cairos-tahrir-square.html|access-date=14 October 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 October 2012}}</ref> The clashes erupted between two competing rallies in Tahrir.<ref name="APHP20121012"/><ref name="NYT20121012"/> One was by liberal and secular activists to criticize Morsi's failure to achieve promises he had made for first 100 days in power and to demand greater diversity on the panel tasked with writing Egypt's new constitution, the other had been called by Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood to call for judicial reforms and to support the move by Morsi on 11 October 2012 to remove the prosecutor-general. The secular camp accused the Brotherhood of holding the gathering to "hijack" the square from their anti-Morsi protest. The violence erupted when Morsi supporters stormed a stage set up by the rival camp, angered by chants they perceived as insults to the president.<ref name="APHP20121012"/>
On 13 October, Morsi backed down from his decision to remove the country's top prosecutor Abdel-Maguid Mahmoud, keeping him in his post and sidestepping a potential clash with the country's powerful judiciary. The two-day standoff between Morsi and Prosecutor General Mahmoud escalated with a backlash from a powerful group of judges who said Morsi's move had infringed upon their authority and on the judiciary's independence.<ref>{{cite news|last=El Deeb|first=Sarah|title=Egypt standoff between president, prosecutor ends|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Top-Egypt-prosecutor-defies-sacking-by-president-3945251.php|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Seattle Pi|access-date=14 October 2012|date=13 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt leader Mursi backs down in row with prosecutor|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19935961|work=BBC News Middle East|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 October 2012|date=13 October 2012}}</ref> Egypt's Vice President Mahmoud Mekki told reporters after meeting the prosecutor that the president agreed to suspend the decision to make Mahmoud Egypt's ambassador to the Vatican following a request from the country's Supreme Judicial Council. Mekki said the presidency had announced the decision to make Mahmoud Egypt's ambassador to the Vatican after initially understanding that Mahmoud had agreed to step down as Prosecutor General. After meeting Morsi and his advisers, Mahmoud told The Associated Press that "a misunderstanding" had been resolved.<ref>{{cite news|last=El Deeb|first=Sarah|title=Egypt Standoff Between President, Prosecutor Ends|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/backers-critics-egypt-president-clash-cairo-17465946|agency=Associated Press|work=ABC News|access-date=14 October 2012|date=12 October 2012}}</ref>
On 16 October, The Administrative Court of the State Council postponed its decision on the constitutionality of Egypt's Constituent Assembly until 23 October 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian court to rule on constitutional assembly on October 23|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-constitutionbre89f1d9-20121016,0,4250695.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617025405/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-constitutionbre89f1d9-20121016,0,4250695.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2013|agency=Reuters|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=17 October 2012|author1=Marwa Awad|author2=Ali Abdelaty|author3=Yasmine Saleh|date=16 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Michael|first=Maggie|title=Egypt: Court delays ruling on constitutional panel|url=http://ktvl.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/384b5c00-www.ktvl.com.shtml|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ktvl.com|access-date=17 October 2012|date=16 October 2012}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
On 23 October, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court referred the law regulating the Constituent Assembly to the Supreme Constitutional Court and hence suspended the hearing of lawsuits that sought the dissolution of the assembly charged with drafting the new constitution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Constitution Panel Case Referred to Supreme Court|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-23/egypt-constitution-panel-case-referred-to-supreme-court|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728224405/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-23/egypt-constitution-panel-case-referred-to-supreme-court|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 July 2013|access-date=23 October 2012|newspaper=Bloomsberg Businessweek|date=23 October 2012|author1=Abdel Latif Wahba |author2=Tarek El-Tablawy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's constitutional assembly case referred to Supreme Court|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/23/245476.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=23 October 2012|date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023151145/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/23/245476.html|archive-date=23 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top court to decide fate of constitution panel|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/top-court-to-decide-fate-of-constitution-panel-1.1093010|publisher=Gulf News|access-date=23 October 2012|author=Ramadan Al Sherbini|date=23 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian constitution case sent to higher court|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-constitutionbre89m0kh-20121023,0,5210788.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617041806/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-constitutionbre89m0kh-20121023,0,5210788.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 June 2013|agency=Reuters|publisher=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=23 October 2012|author1=Tamim Elyan|author2=Tom Perry|date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Plaintiffs from 48 lawsuits demanded the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly claiming the Assembly failed to proportionately represent various social sectors, and violated the interim constitution by including MPs as members.<ref name="EgyptIndependent20121023"/> More specifically, the Administrative Court referred Law 79/2012, which granted the assembly immunity from dissolution, to the Supreme Constitutional Court, which will rule on the law based on the Constitutional Declaration that has governed the country since the fall of former President Mubarak. The parliament had approved the law on the same day of its formation two days before Parliament was dissolved. However, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces refused to pass the law. After decreeing the return of the People's Assembly, President Morsy approved the stalled law to prevent the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly.<ref name="EgyptIndependent20121023"/> Judge Nazih Tangho of the High Administrative Court referred the case to the Constitutional Court to look into the law that gave the constitutional panel legal immunity, a clause he said needed vetting because no one should be above legal supervision. "The law was meant to prevent the High Administrative Court from looking into appeals ... against the panel," he said.<ref>{{cite web|last=Michael|first=Maggie|title=Egypt's Top Court to Rule on Constitutional Panel|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypts-top-court-decide-constitution-panel-17542435|work=abc News|access-date=23 October 2012|date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Muslim Brotherhood lawyer Abdel Moneim Abdel Maqsoud stated that the Supreme Constitutional Court needed at least two months to rule on the case, citing the law that obliged it to consider the cases 45 days after its referral.<ref name="EgyptIndependent20121023">{{cite news|title=Update: FJP sees Administrative Court decision as 'chance for dialogue'|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/update-fjp-sees-administrative-court-decision-chance-dialogue|access-date=23 October 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=23 October 2012}}</ref>
===November 2012=== {{see also|Manfalut railway accident|Mohamed Morsi#November 2012 declaration}} {{wikinews|Thousands protest constitutional decree in Tahrir Square, Egypt}} Sometime between 18 and 21 November, secular groups walked out of the constitutional constituent assembly because they believed that it would impose strict Islamic practices, while members of the Muslim Brotherhood supported Morsi and denied such allegations.<ref name="abcnews1">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/rallies-egypt-presidents-powers-17791381 |title=Rallies for, against Egypt president's new powers |agency=Associated Press |date=23 November 2012 |access-date=25 November 2012 |work=ABC News |archive-date=23 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123143402/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/rallies-egypt-presidents-powers-17791381 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC20121122"/><ref name="APNYT20121122"/><ref name="NYT20121122"/> Protesters battled the police in Cairo's Mohamed Mahmoud Street<ref name="Ahram20121122"/> over the slow pace of change in Egypt,<ref name="NYT20121122">{{cite news|title=Citing Deadlock, Egypt's Leader Seizes New Power and Plans Mubarak Retrial|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/23/world/middleeast/egypts-president-morsi-gives-himself-new-powers.html?ref=middleeast|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=22 November 2012|author1=David D. Kirkpatrick |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref> after thousands of protesters had returned to the streets around Tahrir Square demanding political reforms and the prosecution of officials blamed for killing demonstrators as well as to protest against Morsi and the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt fury over Mohammed Morsi 'coup against legitimacy'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20457058|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=30 November 2012|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Bloomsberg 20121123">{{cite news|title=Egyptian President Mursi Expands Powers Ahead of Cairo Rally|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-22/egyptian-president-mursi-expands-powers-amid-renewed-protests.html|work=Bloomsberg|access-date=30 November 2012|author1=Tarek El-Tablawy |author2=Mariam Fam |date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="CNN20121123">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsy says courts can't overturn him|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/22/world/meast/egypt-morsy-powers/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|work=CNN|access-date=30 November 2012|author1=Mohamed Fadel Fahmy |author2=Jason Hanna |date=23 November 2012}}</ref> The protests held to commemorate four days of street fighting between protesters and security forces in November 2011 had already turned violent on 19 November 2012.<ref name="Ahram20121122"/><ref name="CNN20121123"/>
On 22 November, Morsi issued a constitutional declaration<ref name="Ahram20121122">{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Morsi expands power, defies judiciary with new declaration|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/58936/Egypt/0/Egypts-President-Morsi-expands-power,-defies-judic.aspx|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=Al Ahram|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=English text of Morsi's Constitutional Declaration|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/58947/Egypt/0/English-text-of-Morsis-Constitutional-Declaration-.aspx|newspaper=Al Ahram Online|access-date=30 November 2012|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Morsy issues new constitutional declaration|url=http://dailynewsegypt.com/2012/11/22/morsy-makes-new-constitutional-declaration/|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The Daily News Egypt|date=22 November 2012|author=Ethar Shalaby}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Mursi shields assembly writing constitution|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-decree-constitutionbre8al0n6-20121122,0,1947661.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121024833/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-decree-constitutionbre8al0n6-20121122,0,1947661.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 January 2013|agency=Reuters|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=30 November 2012|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt: The president's new powers|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2012/11/2012112482649205402.html|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=1 December 2012|date=24 November 2012}}</ref> and dismissed Egypt's prosecutor general Abdel Maguid Mahmoud who was replaced by Talaat Ibrahim Abdullah. This caused a disagreement amongst Egyptian judges and condemnation from various organizations. His decree was called "an unprecedented attack on judicial independence" by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary. Morsi said that the decree was made to prevent the courts from dissolving the Constitutional Assembly. Three protests were held outside the court building. Mohamed ElBaradei, a former UN diplomat, called for withdrawal of the decree.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian Judges Challenge Morsi Over New Power|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/morsi-urged-to-retract-edict-to-bypass-judges-in-egypt.html|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David|author-link=David D. Kirkpatrick|date=22 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|work=The New York Times}}</ref> While the declaration was immediately criticized by Morsi opponents, his supporters defended Morsi's move.<ref name="BBC20121122" /><ref name="NYT20121122" /><ref name="Bloomsberg 20121123" /><ref name="CNN20121123"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's Morsi assumes wide powers|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/20121122161830842641.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=30 November 2012|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Samak|first=Dina|title=Declaration 'aims to achieve revolutionary demands': Egypt Presidential spokesman|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/58952/Egypt/Politics-/Declaration-aims-to-achieve-revolutionary-demands-.aspx|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=Al-Ahram|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New decree will allow Morsi to reinstate Egypt parliament: Legal expert|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/58946/Egypt/0/New-decree-will-allow-Morsi-to-reinstate-Egypt-par.aspx|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=Al Ahram|date=22 November 2012|author=Ekram Ibrahim}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mursi draws fire with new Egypt decree|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-prosecutorbre8al0my-20121122,0,1968502.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119025238/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-egypt-prosecutorbre8al0my-20121122,0,1968502.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2013|agency=Reuters|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|access-date=30 November 2012|author=Marwa Awad|date=22 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's Mursi assumes sweeping powers, branded 'new pharaoh'|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1088747/egypts-mohammed-morsi-assumes-sweeping-powers-branded-new-pharoah|work=Agence France-Presse|via=South China Morning Post|access-date=30 November 2012|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Birnbaum|first=Michael|title=Egypt's President Morsi takes sweeping new powers|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egypts-president-morsi-takes-sweeping-new-powers/2012/11/22/8d87d716-34cb-11e2-92f0-496af208bf23_story.html?wp_login_redirect=0|access-date=30 November 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=22 November 2012}}</ref> Morsi's declaration contained the following:<ref name="BBC20121122"/> * All investigations into the killing of protesters or the use of violence against them would be re-conducted; trials of those accused would be re-held. With the declaration a new "protection of the revolution" judicial body was also created to swiftly carry out the prosecutions, but the decree would not lead to retrials of the dozens of lower-level police officers who have been acquitted or received suspended sentences in trials for killing protesters – verdicts that have outraged many Egyptians. That exclusion would guarantee Morsi the loyalty of the powerful but hated police force.<ref name="APNYT20121122">{{cite news|title=Morsi Asserts New Powers and Orders Ex-Officials Retried|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/11/22/world/middleeast/ap-ml-egypt-.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0&pagewanted=all|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=30 November 2012|date=22 November 2012}}</ref> * All constitutional declarations, laws and decrees made since Mr Morsi assumed power could not be appealed or cancelled by any individual, or political or governmental body * The public prosecutor would be appointed by the president for a fixed term of four years, and must be aged at least 40 * The constituent assembly's timeline for drafting the new constitution was extended by two months. * No judicial authority could dissolve the constituent assembly or the upper house of parliament (Shura Council) * The president was authorised to take any measures he saw fit in order to preserve the revolution, to preserve national unity or to safeguard national security
On 23 November, protests erupted in Cairo, the port city of Alexandria and elsewhere around Egypt, as opponents of Morsi clashed with his supporters over his 22 November declaration. Protesters torched the offices of Egypt's ruling Islamist party, the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, in Suez, Alexandria and other cities. Essam el-Erian, a leading figure of Morsi's FJP, condemned attacks on party property.<ref name=Guardian1>{{cite news|title=Egypt's top judges condemn Mohamed Morsi power grab |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/24/egypt-judges-condemn-mohamed-morsi-powers|last1=Godfrey|first1=Hannah |last2=Beaumont|first2=Peter|author-link2=Peter Beaumont (journalist)|date=24 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|location=London|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Media organizations noted that the events showed Egypt was a divided country.<ref name="Stack"/><ref name="Kareem Fahim and David D. Kirkpatrick"/><ref name="AlJaz20121123"/><ref name="WP20121123" /><ref name="BBCFury20121123" /><ref name="CNN20121125">{{cite news|title=Top Egyptian judicial body rips Morsy|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/24/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c1|publisher=CNN|access-date=1 December 2012|author1=Mohamed Fadel Fahmy |author2=Reza Sayah |date=25 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gray|first=Melissa|title=Morsy edict divides Egypt but unifies opponents, critics and observers say|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/25/world/meast/egypt-morsy-views/?hpt=wo_c1|access-date=1 December 2012|work=CNN|date=26 November 2012}}</ref> Morsi defended amid the protests before his supporters his declaration stating that he was working to secure a strong and stable nation and leading Egypt on a path to "freedom and democracy".<ref name="AlJaz20121123" /><ref name="WP20121123" /><ref name="BBCFury20121123">{{cite news|title=Egypt President Mursi defends new powers amid protests|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20458148|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=30 November 2012|date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leyne|first=John|title=Egypt: President Morsi's political gamble|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20475284|work=BBC|access-date=1 December 2012|date=24 November 2012}}</ref>
On 24 November, the Supreme Judicial Council lambasted the president's constitutional declaration and called it an "unprecedented attack on the independence of the judicial branch". The leadership of the Egypt Judges Club, an association of judges from across the country, called for a nationwide strike in all courts and prosecution offices to protest the president's declaration. State news media reported that judges and prosecutors had already declared a strike in Alexandria. MENA news agency reported that Egyptian human rights agencies filed a lawsuit at the Court of Administrative Justice calling for the declaration to be annulled. There were also clashes in Cairo between protesters and security forces, between opponents and supporters of the government.<ref name="CNN20121125" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt judges call for national strike over Mursi decree|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20476693|work=BBC|access-date=1 December 2012|date=24 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Egyptian Judges Challenge Morsi Over New Power|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/world/middleeast/morsi-urged-to-retract-edict-to-bypass-judges-in-egypt.html?_r=0&pagewanted=all|access-date=1 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt judges condemn Morsi's new powers|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012112415251208318.html|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=1 December 2012}}</ref>
On 25 November, shares on Egypt's stock market plunged almost 10%. Trading was suspended for 30 minutes as shares slumped in the first session since the president's 22 November constitutional declaration. The Muslim Brotherhood had called for nationwide protests on 25 November in support of Morsi's declaration. Judges in two of the country's 27 provinces, including Alexandria, heeded the call to strike while those elsewhere in the country were meeting to decide their response.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Mursi crisis prompts shares dive|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20484652|work=BBC News Middle East|access-date=1 December 2012|date=25 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="CNN20121126" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt crisis hits stock exchange|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012112511432479437.html|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=1 December 2012|date=25 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121125" /> After a meeting with Egypt's justice minister, Ahmed Mekki urged judges not to disrupt their work by joining in a proposed strike over the decree. But the council also urged the president to scale back his writ, to limit the immunity from judicial review he decreed for "laws and decisions issued by the president as sovereignty acts", a reference to Egyptian legal precedents that could justify such executive action in certain circumstances.<ref name="NYT20121125">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Pressure Grows on Egyptian Leader After Judicial Decree|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/26/world/middleeast/morsis-judicial-decree-draws-high-level-dissent.html?ref=world&_r=0&pagewanted=all|access-date=1 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=25 November 2012}}</ref> The Muslim Brotherhood's party offices in Damanhour, Alexandria, Mansoura, Suez and Cairo were ransacked and damaged in the wake of the 22 November constitutional declaration.<ref name="CNN20121126">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsy to meet with top judicial body days after claiming new powers|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/25/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|work=CNN Wire Staff|access-date=1 December 2012|date=26 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121125" /> Five hundred people were injured in clashes with the police, and 15-year-old Islam Fathi Masoud died after being hit on the head with a club wielded by one of dozens of men who attacked the MB's offices in the northern city of Damanhour.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsi to meet judges over power grab|url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/morsi-to-meet-judges-over-power-grab-1.480489 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126123816/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/morsi-to-meet-judges-over-power-grab-1.480489 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2012 |last=Khouri|first=Jack|newspaper=Haaretz |date=25 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> The ''Al-Ahram'' state newspaper said that three women were victims of sexual assault during an anti-Morsi demonstration.<ref>{{cite news|title='Men don't have to worry about being caught': Sex mobs target Egypt's women |author=Charlene Gubash |url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/05/15675200-men-dont-have-to-worry-about-being-caught-sex-mobs-target-egypts-women?lite |newspaper=NBC News |date=5 December 2012|access-date=24 February 2013}}</ref> Egypt state news media reported that Morsi advisers who had resigned over the decree included Samir Morqos, one of the few Christians in the administration; Sekina Fouad, one of the few women, and Farouk Guweida, a poet and intellectual.<ref name="NYT20121125" />
On 26 November, The Court of Administrative Justice said it would hold a first hearing on 4 December in a case brought by lawyers and activists against the declaration. Morsi met with representatives of the Supreme Judicial Council in an effort to settle the crisis over the extent of his powers following his 22 November constitutional declaration.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Mohammed Mursi meets top judges|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20490827|work=BBC News Middle East|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=1 December 2012|date=26 November 2012}}</ref> He agreed to limit his decree on his decisions related to "sovereign matters" only.<ref name=Guardian2>{{cite news|title=Mohamed Morsi indicates judicial decree will be limited |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/26/mohamed-morsi-decree-sovereign-matters|last=Hussein|first=Abdel Rahman |newspaper=The Guardian|date=26 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012 |location=London}}</ref> Morsi "did not give himself judicial power" but did provide "immunity for his presidential decisions," said Jihad Haddad, a senior adviser in the Freedom and Justice Party. Haddad added that "the president himself (is) not immune from judicial oversight," though it wasn't clear in what circumstances that might apply, or if there was anything preventing Morsi from issuing a new decree to forestall that.<ref name="CNN20121128">{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Michael|title=Protesters to Morsy: Roll back your decree or leave|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/27/world/meast/egypt-protests/?hpt=hp_t1|publisher=CNN|access-date=1 December 2012|date=28 November 2012}}</ref> According to Al-Jazeera "sovereign matters" were widely interpreted to cover the declaration of war, imposition of martial law, breaking diplomatic relations with a foreign nation, or dismissing the cabinet.<ref name="AlJazMassRally201211282">{{cite web|title=Mass anti-Morsi rally in Egyptian capital|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/20121127142656380571.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=1 December 2012|date=28 November 2012}}</ref> Activists on Monday camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square for a fourth day, blocking traffic with makeshift barricades to protest against what they said was a power-grab by Morsi. Nearby, riot police and protesters clashed intermittently. In addition to popular outbursts on the street, Egypt's judges reacted. All but seven of Egypt's 34 courts and 90% of its prosecutors went on strike Monday in protest, according to Judge Mohamed al-Zind of the Egyptian Judge's Club.<ref name="CNN20121128" /> Muslim Brotherhood supporters staged a counter-demonstration, while they were relocated from central Cairo to a location in front of Cairo University in Giza. Egypt's stock market, which had seen a fall of almost 10% on 25 November 2012, recovered some ground on Monday morning.<ref>{{cite news|last=Birnbaum|first=Michael|title=Egypt's Morsi appears to accept some limits on his power|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypts-morsi-accepts-some-limits-on-his-power/2012/11/26/341d1130-3810-11e2-8a97-363b0f9a0ab3_story.html|access-date=1 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=26 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's Morsi stands by decree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012112520126225396.html|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=1 December 2012|date=26 November 2012}}</ref> Islam Fathy Massoud member of the Muslim Brotherhood was killed during protests in Damanhour.<ref name=Guardian3>{{cite news|title=Egyptian protests over Mohamed Morsi decree expected to draw thousands|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/26/egyptian-protests-mohamed-morsi-decree|last=Hussein|first=Abdel Rahman|date=26 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|location=London|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Gaber Salah, a member of the April 6 Youth Movement, was pronounced dead. He had received a rubber bullet shot at close range during clashes with riot police in downtown Cairo.<ref>[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/27/deaths-of-gaber-salah-islam-masoud-signal-egypt-s-dangerous-divisions.html Deaths of Gaber Salah, Islam Masoud Signal Egypt's Dangerous Divisions] The Daily Beast, 27 November 2012</ref> The funeral of Islam Fathy Massoud, who died in the Nile Delta town of Damanhour in a clash between the president's supporters and opponents, was held on Monday, while in Cairo thousands of people marched through Tahrir Square for the funeral of Gaber Salah. thumb|Hundreds of thousands of people protesting in Tahrir Square on the evening of 27 November 2012 On 27 November, tens of thousands of people held protests in Cairo against Morsi demanding that their first freely elected leader respect their wishes either to roll back his 22 November constitutional declaration or to resign. At least one demonstrator died in early clashes with authorities before Tuesday night's massive rally. The opposition Popular Alliance Party said the protester died after inhaling excessive amounts of tear gas, which police used in numerous scuffles with rock-throwing protesters on the side streets leading to the square. And in the Nile Delta city of Mahalla, police reported dozens of injuries when demonstrators stormed and destroyed the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood. Protests were also held in Alexandria and other cities. FJP offices in Alexandria and Mansoura were stormed, with the latter set ablaze.<ref>{{cite news|title=Update: Protesters storm Alexandria Brotherhood office, set Mansoura FJP office on fire |url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/update-protesters-storm-alexandria-brotherhood-office-set-mansoura-fjp-office-fire|last=Gouda|first=Hazem|newspaper=Al-masry Al-youm|date=27 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> The Muslim Brotherhood scrapped its own demonstration to show support for Morsi – also scheduled for 27 November 2012 – "to avoid any problems due to tension in the political arena," according to spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan.<ref name="CNN20121128" /><ref name="AlJazMassRally201211282" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Mass rally held against Mohammed Mursi|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20514011|work=BBC News Middle East|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=1 December 2012|date=27 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt Protesters Gather to Denounce Morsi in Scenes Recalling Uprising|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/28/world/middleeast/egypt-morsi.html?ref=world&_r=0|access-date=1 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=27 November 2012|author1=Kareem Fahim |author2=David D. Kirkpatrick }}</ref>
On 28 November, in an interview with ''TIME magazine'' Morsi said of his 22 November constitutional declaration: "If we had a constitution, then all of what I have said or done last week, will stop. ... when we have a constitution, what I have issued will stop immediately. ... "<ref>{{cite news|title=An Interview with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi: 'We're Learning How to Be Free'|url=https://world.time.com/2012/11/28/an-interview-with-egypts-president-mohamed-morsi-were-learning-how-to-be-free/?hpt=wo_c2|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=TIME Magazine|date=28 November 2012|author1=Richard Stengel |author2=Bobby Ghosh |author3=Karl Vick }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Transcript: TIME's Interview with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi|url=https://world.time.com/2012/11/28/transcript-times-interview-with-egyptian-president-mohamed-morsi/|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=TIME Magazine|date=28 November 2012|author1=Richard Stengel |author2=Bobby Ghosh |author3=Karl Vick }}</ref> The Constituent Assembly of Egypt rushed to finish its work amid widespread protests against Morsi and his declaration. The rush toward a new constitution spurred a walkout among its drafters, i.e. liberals, human rights activists, and others who were unsatisfied with a range of provisions dealing with the role of religion in the state, the status of women, and the privileges accorded to the country's army.<ref name="CNNSpeedConstitution20121128" /><ref name="NYT20121128" /><ref name="AlJaz20121129" /> According to the BBC's Jon Leybe the move was designed to preempt a ruling by Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court on 2 December, which might once again dissolve the assembly.<ref name="NYT20121128" /><ref name="BBC20121128">{{cite news|title=Egypt appeals courts launch anti-Mursi strike action|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20523220|work=BBC News|access-date=2 December 2012|date=28 November 2012}}</ref> The Brotherhood hoped that the decree replaced by a completely new constitution would be approved on a referendum and put an end to the unrest. Low-level rallies continued in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Wednesday. Dozens of police officers, backed by trucks firing tear gas, arrested numerous protesters, some of whom were beaten by officers as others continued to throw stones at police. The Brotherhood organized counter-demonstrations, including one in Egypt's second city, Alexandria, which attracted a few thousand participants.<ref name="CNNSpeedConstitution20121128"/><ref name="BBC20121128"/> As protests mounted over Morsi's decision to grant himself sweeping powers until the text of the constitution was ratified in a referendum, the panel tasked with writing the constitution wrapped up its deliberations on Wednesday and readied for a vote on Thursday.<ref name="AlJaz20121129">{{cite web|title=Egypt speeds vote on draft constitution|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/201211288183393655.html|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=2 December 2012|date=29 November 2012}}</ref> By 28 November two more people were killed and hundreds more injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsi 'to address Egyptian nation'|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1128/breaking1.html|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=28 November 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|archive-date=29 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129072040/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1128/breaking1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Egypt Independent reported that one of the dead was Fathy Ghareeb, a founder of the Socialist Popular Alliance Party, who died by suffocation caused by the tear gas fired by the Central Security Forces (CSF) in Tahrir Square.<ref name="ahram1">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/59358/Egypt/0/Socialist-Alliance-holds-slain-protesters-funeral-.aspx Socialist Alliance holds slain protester's funeral in Egypt's Tahrir] Al Ahram, 28 November 2012.</ref> Egypt's Court of Cassation, the country's highest appeals court, the Cairo Appeals Court, and other appeals courts suspended their work until Morsi's decree was rescinded.<ref name="CNNSpeedConstitution20121128">{{cite news|title=Egypt speeds new constitution amid Morsy protests|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/28/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|work=CNN Wire Staff|publisher=CNN|access-date=2 December 2012|date=29 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121128">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Panel Drafting Egypt's Constitution Vows Quick Finish|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/world/middleeast/wrangling-in-egypt-as-constitution-deadline-looms.html?_r=0|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=29 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="BBC20121128" />
On 29 November, voting on the new constitution by the Constituent Assembly of Egypt began, and continued through Thursday night. There were protests against Morsi outside the presidential palace and a small protest supporting Morsi in Giza on the outskirts of Cairo.<ref name="WP20121129">{{cite news|title=Egyptian assembly rushes to vote on new constitution|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/amid-political-crisis-egypts-constitutional-assembly-prepares-to-vote-on-draft-document/2012/11/29/1aa3f2a2-3a20-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post 2012|date=29 November 2012|author1=Stephanie McCrummen |author2=Ingy Hassieb }}</ref> The new constitution adopted the first part of the draft that included the Sharia as the main source of legislation and making Islam a state religion. Egyptian State TV reported that Christianity and Judaism would be the main source for legislation for Christians and Jews. The liberals, left-wing, and Christians boycotted the assembly and accused the Islamists of trying to impose their vision; they also accused them of trying to limit freedom of speech as well as not including articles establishing equality between men and women.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt assembly votes on constitution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20536323|publisher=BBC|date=29 November 2012|access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> thumb|Hundreds of thousands of people protesting in Tahrir Square on 30 November 2012 On 30 November, racing against the threat of dissolution by Supreme Constitutional Court judges appointed by the ousted Mubarak, quickly defusing anger about Morsi's 22 November declaration granting himself expanded presidential powers and ignoring howls of protest from secular opponents, the Islamists drafting the new constitution voted on 29 November 2012 to approve the 2012 Draft Constitution of Egypt<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's draft constitution translated|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/egypt-s-draft-constitution-translated|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=2 December 2012|author=Nariman Youssef}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Comparison of Egypt's suspended and draft constitutions|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20555478|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Carlstrom|first=Gregg|title=Controversial clauses in Egypt's constitution|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/20121130143923235965.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref> that human rights groups and international experts said was full of holes and ambiguities and that was criticized by secular, liberal and Coptic Egyptians.<ref name="NYT20121129">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Egyptian Islamists Approve Draft Constitution Despite Objections|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/world/middleeast/panel-drafting-egypts-constitution-prepares-quick-vote.html?ref=world&pagewanted=all|access-date=2 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=29 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="CNNConstitution20121130">{{cite news|title=Movement on new Egyptian constitution, despite fervent opposition|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/29/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|work=CNN Wire Staff|publisher=CNN|access-date=2 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt adopts draft constitution after marathon session|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-constitution-20121130,0,5924794.story|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|date=29 November 2012|author=Jeffrey Fleishman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leyne|first=Jon|title=Egypt divisions likely to deepen over draft constitution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20553766|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt constitution finalised as opposition cries foul|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/59492/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-constitution-finalised-as-opposition-cries-f.aspx|agency=Reuters|newspaper=Al-Ahram|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt assembly adopts draft constitution|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/20121129182338884288.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="WP20121130" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Islamists unilaterally pass draft constitution in Egypt|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|work=CNN|access-date=14 December 2012|date=1 December 2012}}</ref> Thousands of Egyptians took to the streets in various governorates to denounce the constitutional declaration issued on 22 November, as well as the final draft of the constitution approved by the Islamist-dominated Constituent Assembly.<ref name="WP20121130">{{cite news|last=McCrummen|first=Stephanie|title=In Egypt, anger grows among liberals over Islamist-backed constitution|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egyptian-assembly-rushes-to-vote-on-new-constitution/2012/11/30/21c21f4e-3ad1-11e2-8a97-363b0f9a0ab3_story.html|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thousands protest nationwide against Morsy, Constituent Assembly|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/thousands-protest-nationwide-against-morsy-constituent-assembly|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thousands rally in Cairo against constitution|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012113016175317311.html|work=Al Jazeera |access-date=14 December 2012|date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cairo's Tahrir Square fills with anti-Morsi protesters|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20558185|work=BBC|access-date=14 December 2012|date=30 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=After Moves on Constitution, Protesters Gather in Cairo|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/world/middleeast/after-moves-on-new-constitution-protesters-gather-in-cairo.html?ref=middleeast&_r=1&|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=30 November 2012|author=Kareem Fahim}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt protests intensify after passage of draft constitution|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-constitution-protests-20121201,0,6795093.story|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|date=30 November 2012|author1=Jeffrey Fleishman |author2=Reem Abdellatif }}</ref> <ref name="Guardian4">{{cite news|title=Egypt: Mohammed Morsi criticised by UN|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/9715314/Egypt-Mohammed-Morsi-criticised-by-UN.html|last=Spencer|first=Richard|author-link=Richard Spencer (journalist)|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 November 2012|access-date=8 December 2012|location=London}}</ref> In Alexandria, anti-Morsi protesters clashed with Morsi's supporters, but no injuries were reported.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cairo's Tahrir Square fills with anti-Morsi protesters|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20558185|work=BBC|date=30 November 2012|access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref>
===December 2012=== {{see also|2012 Egyptian constitutional referendum}} On 1 December, Morsi announced that a constitutional referendum on the 2012 Draft Constitution of Egypt would be held on 15 December 2012. Islamist backers of Morsi held mass rallies at Cairo University and other cities to support his sweeping new powers and the drafting of a constitution, while several thousand of Morsi's opponents rallied in Tahrir Square to oppose the draft constitution and what they described as Morsi's power grab.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Morsy calls Egyptians to vote on Constitution on 15 December|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/morsy-calls-egyptians-vote-constitution-15-december|agency=Egypt Independent |date=1 December 2012|access-date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="BBC20121201">{{cite news|title=Egypt to hold December referendum on new constitution|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20568356|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Islamists rally for President Morsi|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20564038|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Amid Egypt's Duel on Democracy, Morsi Calls for Vote|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/world/middleeast/in-egypt-a-clash-over-whos-a-threat-to-democracy.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times 2012|date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McCrummen|first=Stephanie|title=Morsi sets date for referendum on charter as his Islamist supporters rally in Cairo|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/in-cairo-rival-protests-over-the-path-forward/2012/12/01/73bb2f1e-3bd7-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=1 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Morsi calls referendum on new constitution|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/20121214293440143.html|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=Al Jazeera English|date=2 December 2012}}</ref>
On 2 December, the Supreme Constitutional Court put off its much-awaited ruling on the legitimacy of the constituent assembly that passed the draft constitution, and on a separate but related decision about whether to dissolve the Shura Council, Egypt's upper house of parliament. It said it was halting all work indefinitely in protest against the "psychological pressure" it had faced, after Islamist protesters earlier prevented the judges from meeting in Cairo. Anti-Morsi protesters continued to occupy Tahrir Square. Leaders of the Judges Club, a powerful but unofficial body which represents judges across the country, announced that its members would refuse to perform their customary roles as election supervisors and would thus try to block a referendum on the new constitution scheduled for 15 December.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt court halts all work amid Islamist 'pressure'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20571718|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=2 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Egyptian Court Postpones Ruling on Constitutional Assembly|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/world/middleeast/egypt-morsi-constitution-vote.html?ref=middleeast&pagewanted=all|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's high court suspends sessions after protesters block judges' way|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/02/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=14 December 2012|author1=Reza Sayah |author2=Amir Ahmed |date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt's top court on indefinite strike|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212285541815618.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=14 December 2012|date=2 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt judges reject role in constitution vote|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/20121221944559259.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=14 December 2012|date=3 December 2012}}</ref>
On 3 December the Supreme Judicial Council, said that judges and prosecutors would supervise the constitutional referendum to be held on 15 December despite the Judges Club strike announcement from 2 December. In addition, seven cases against Morsi's call for the referendum were filed in an administrative court<ref name="BBC News Middle East">{{cite news|title=Egypt judges 'to oversee referendum' despite boycott|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20584321|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=14 December 2012|date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="McCrummen">{{cite news|last=McCrummen|first=Stephanie|title=Egypt's Supreme Judicial Council to oversee constitutional referendum|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypts-supreme-judicial-council-to-oversee-charter-referendum/2012/12/03/356f48e8-3d5e-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="Fahim">{{cite news|last=Fahim|first=Kareem|title=Egyptian Judges Break Ranks to Support Morsi Vote Request|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/04/world/middleeast/egyptian-judges-break-ranks-to-support-morsi-vote-request.html?ref=middleeast&_r=0|access-date=14 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=3 December 2012}}</ref> thumb|right|Anti-Morsi graffiti
On 4 December, police fought the demonstrators in front of the Presidential Palace in Cairo. Demonstrators proclaimed a march to the Presidential Palace, calling it "the last warning." The demonstrators cut through a barbed-wire barrier near the Palace, after which police fired tear gas at them as Morsi fled.<ref>{{cite news|title=Protesters reach palace; Morsi flees |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/4/protesters-reach-palace-morsi-flees/|last1=Nasser|first1=Marwa|last2=Jabeen|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=4 December 2012|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Mursi leaves palace as police battle protesters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE8B30GP20121204 |last1=Saleh|first1=Yasmine|last2=Awad|first2=Marwa|publisher=Reuters|date=4 December 2012|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptians take anti-Morsi protests to presidential palace|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egyptians-take-anti-morsi-protests-to-presidential-palace/2012/12/04/b16a2cfa-3e40-11e2-bca3-aadc9b7e29c5_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=16 December 2012|author1=Stephanie McCrummen |author2=Abigail Hauslohner |date=4 December 2012}}</ref> More violence broke out at the headquarters of the Freedom and Justice Party in Menia, south of Cairo, where the front of the party headquarters was damaged.<ref name="CNNAttackPalace20121204">{{cite news|title=Protesters attack palace, party headquarters in Egypt|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/04/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|work=CNN Wire Staff|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 December 2012|date=5 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Clashes outside Egypt presidential palace in Cairo|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20600920|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=16 December 2012|date=4 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Clashes outside Egypt's presidential palace|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012124163243352275.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=16 December 2012|date=5 December 2012}}</ref> ''Egypt Independent'', the English-language sister publication of the country's largest independent daily, ''Al Masry Al Youm'', and 10 others did not publish to protest limits on the draft constitution's protections for freedom of expression and freedom of the press.<ref name="CNNAttackPalace20121204" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Thousands of Egyptians Protest Plan for Charter|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/world/middleeast/egyptian-newspapers-and-broadcasters-protest-draft-constitution.html?ref=middleeast&_r=1&|access-date=16 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=4 December 2012}}</ref> Prosecutor General Talaat Ibrahim Abdallah filed a complaint charging former presidential candidates Moussa and Sabbahi, as well as El-Baradei, Wafd Party president El-Sayyid el-Badawi, and Judges Club head Ahmed al-Zend with espionage and inciting to overthrow the government. The lawyer who filed the report, Hamed Sadeq, claimed that Moussa met with former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and agreed with her to fabricate a crisis. It was further alleged that all of politicians named in the complaint met at the Wafd Party headquarters to execute the "Zionist plot."<ref>{{cite news |title=El-Baradei, Sabbahi and others to be investigated for 'espionage'|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/elbaradei-sabbahi-and-others-be-investigated-espionage|newspaper=Al Masry Al Youm|date=4 December 2012|access-date=7 December 2012}}</ref> {{wikinews|Clashes in Egypt between supporters and opponents of president Morsi turn deadly}} On 5 December 100,000 people were estimated to have protested at the Presidential Palace and at Tahrir Square against Morsi's constitution, asserting it represented an effort to seize control of the judiciary. Many began demanding the "fall of the regime" as they fought running battles with police who deployed tear gas before retreating from the area, outnumbered by protesters.<ref name="Guardian 2012-12-05">{{cite news|title=Mohamed Morsi supporters and opponents clash in Cairo|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/05/morsi-supporters-opponents-clash-cairo |last=Siddique|first=Haroon|newspaper=The Guardian|date=5 December 2012|access-date=5 December 2012|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Richard Spencer |author2=Magdy Samaan, Cairo |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/100000-surround-egypt-presidents-palace-20121205-2awbq.html |title=100,000 surround Egypt president's palace |date=5 December 2012 |publisher=Brisbanetimes.com.au |access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood attacked 300 of Morsi's opponents during a sit-in.<ref name="Guardian 2012-12-05"/> Members of the Egyptian Popular Current Mohamed Essam and Karam Gergis were killed in the clashes surrounding Heliopolis Palace between protesters against the new Constitution and Muslim Brotherhood members, which attacked the demonstrators with molotov cocktails.<ref name="egyptindependent1">{{cite news|title=Update: Four reported dead in presidential palace clashes|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/update-four-reported-dead-presidential-palace-clashes|publisher=Egypt Independent|date=5 December 2012|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> The Health Ministry reported four were killed and 271 were injured. Masked men set fire to Muslim Brotherhood offices in Suez, Ismailia and Zagazig.<ref>{{cite news|title=Morsy to address Egyptians amid mounting violence|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/05/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=16 December 2012|author1=Reza Sayah |author2=Michael Pearson |author3=Laura Smith-Spark |date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Fatal Cairo clashes amid constitution row|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20605134|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=16 December 2012|date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Clashes erupt at Egypt presidential palace|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212584345620395.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=16 December 2012|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> thumb|right|Pro-Morsi rally On 6 December, supporters of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood held counter protests the next day at the Presidential Palace, and clashed with anti-Morsi protesters in street battles that saw seven people killed and more than 650 injured.<ref name="brownpbs"/><ref name="BBC20121206">{{cite news|title=Egypt army erects barriers at Cairo presidential palace|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20622233|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=6 December 2012|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> Morsi met with Abdul Fatah al-Sisi, chief of the Egyptian Army, and with his cabinet ministers, to discuss a "means to deal with the situation on different political, security, and legal levels to stabilize Egypt and protect the gains of the revolution."<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsi meets with army chief to discuss stabilization|url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/egypt-s-morsi-meets-with-army-chief-to-discuss-stabilization-1.482909|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206175003/http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/egypt-s-morsi-meets-with-army-chief-to-discuss-stabilization-1.482909|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 December 2012|newspaper=Haaretz|date=6 December 2012 |access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="WP20121206" /> Soldiers backed by tanks moved in to restore order as the death toll began to rise.<ref name="CNN20121207">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsy stands by edict, calls for punishment of violent protesters|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/06/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=22 December 2012|author1=Reza Sayah |author2=Ian Lee |author3=Greg Botelho |date=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt army erects barriers at Cairo presidential palace|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20622233|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=22 December 2012|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> While addressing the nation, Morsi criticized the opposition "for trying to incite violence" against his legitimacy.<ref name="CNN20121207" /> During his speech he invited his opponents to a common dialogue, but they rejected it because Morsi remained determined to press forward with the referendum on the Islamist-backed draft constitution that had plunged Egypt into a political crisis.<ref name="WP20121206">{{cite news|title=Egypt's Morsi, looking to army for support, pushes charter that enshrines military's power|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/in-egypt-protests-turn-violent-as-political-crisis-intensifies/2012/12/06/b176f912-3f76-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=22 December 2012|author1=Stephanie McCrummen |author2=Abigail Hauslohner |date=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20121206">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Morsi Defends Wide Authority as Turmoil Rises in Egypt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/egypt-islamists-secular-opponents-clashes.html?_r=1&&pagewanted=all|access-date=22 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> Meanwhile, the government imposed a curfew after the military sent tanks and armored vehicles into Cairo. Morsi's family was forced to evacuate their home in Zagazig, 47 miles (76 km) northeast of Cairo.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Four of Morsi's advisers resigned their posts in protest against the violence, which they claimed was orchestrated by the Muslim Brotherhood supporters.<ref name="CNN20121207" /><ref name="NYT20121206" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Morsi addresses Egypt amid ongoing unrest|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212662141734397.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=22 December 2012|date=6 December 2012}}</ref> {{wikinews|Tanks, APCs deployed to presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt after deadly clashes}} On 7 December, Morsi supporters and anti-Morsi demonstrators continued their protests in different cities including Cairo, Alexandria, and Assiut. Demonstrators in Assiut chanted "No Brotherhood, no Salafis, Egypt is a civic state."<ref name="nyt712">{{cite news|title=Cairo Protesters Take to Streets as Political Crisis Deepens|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/world/middleeast/egypt-islamists-dialogue-secular-opponents-clashes.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|access-date=7 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=7 December 2012|author=David D. Kirkpatrick|author2=Alan Cowell|location=Cairo}}</ref> Dozens of protesters threw rocks and glass bottles at Morsi's home in Sharkia province and tried to push aside a police barrier.<ref>{{cite news|title=Demonstrators again challenge Egypt's Morsy|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/07/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=22 December 2012|author1=Reza Sayah |author2=Ian Lee |author3=Greg Botelho |date=7 December 2012}}</ref> Advisers and Brotherhood leaders acknowledged that outside his core base of Islamist supporters Morsi felt increasingly isolated in the political arena and even within his own government.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Morsi Turns to His Islamist Backers as Egypt's Crisis Grows|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/world/middleeast/egypt-islamists-dialogue-secular-opponents-clashes.html?ref=world|access-date=22 December 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=7 December 2012}}</ref> Opposition leaders said in a statement that Morsi's 6 December dialogue offer failed to meet "the principles of real and serious negotiations" and displayed "the complete disregard" for the opposition's demands. They said they would not negotiate with Morsi until he canceled his 22 November decree and called off the 15 December referendum on the draft constitution.<ref name="WP20121207">{{cite news|title=Egypt's opposition defies call for dialogue, marches on presidential palace|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egypts-opposition-defies-call-for-dialogue-again-marching-on-presidential-palace/2012/12/07/6479986c-4076-11e2-a2d9-822f58ac9fd5_story.html|access-date=22 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=7 December 2012|author1=Abigail Hauslohner |author2=Stephanie McCrummen }}</ref><ref name="BBc20121207">{{cite news|title=Egypt opposition rejects President Morsi's call for talks|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20642080|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=22 December 2012|date=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="AlJaz20121207">{{cite web|title=Tensions high after thousands march in Cairo|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212714262703105.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=22 December 2012|date=7 December 2012}}</ref> Opposition protesters marched on the presidential palace and breached a security perimeter built by the military's elite Republican Guard – charged with protecting the palace – which withdrew behind the palace walls.<ref name="WP20121207" /><ref name="BBc20121207" /><ref name="AlJaz20121207" /> The Egyptian newspaper ''Al-Masry Al-Youm'' also reported that individuals suspected of protesting against the Muslim Brotherhood were being tortured and beaten in a facility run by the Brotherhood in Heliopolis, a Cairo suburb.<ref>{{cite news|title=Al-Masry Al-Youm Reports From Brotherhood Torture Chambers |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2012/12/muslim-brotherhood-egypt-torture-chambers.html|newspaper=Al-Masry Al-Youm|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=7 December 2012|access-date=7 December 2012}}</ref> thumb|right|Tanks sent near the presidential palace On 8 December, The Egyptian Army issued its first statement since the protests erupted, stating that it would protect public institutions and innocent people and not allow the events to become more serious.<ref name="bbc812">{{cite news|title=Egypt: Army warns it will not allow 'dark tunnel' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20651896 |publisher=BBC |date=8 December 2012 |access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> The Qandil Cabinet also authorized the army to help Egypt's police maintain security.<ref name=reu812>{{cite news|title=Egypt's Mursi to authorise army to take on security role |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/egypt-politics-army-idUSL5E8N80P620121208 |publisher=Reuters |date=8 December 2012 |access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> Egypt state news media reported that Morsi was moving toward imposing a form of martial law to secure the streets and allow the vote on the draft charter constitutional referendum.<ref name="bbc812" /><ref name="NYT20121208">{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick |first=David D. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/world/middleeast/egypt-protests.html |title=Backing Off Added Powers, Egypt's Leader Presses Vote |location=Egypt |work=The New York Times |date=28 December 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Morsi calls for constitution vote to go ahead|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/20121285565110739.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=30 December 2012|date=8 December 2012}}</ref> Morsi annulled his decree which had expanded his presidential authority and removed judicial review of his decrees.<ref name="alarab912" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Sayah|first=Reza|title=Egypt's president pulls back on power decree, pushes referendum|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/08/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=30 December 2012|date=9 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera English">{{cite web|title=Egypt's Morsi rescinds controversial decree|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012128222449772577.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=30 December 2012|date=9 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Morsi offers concession in decree annulment|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20655412|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=30 December 2012|date=9 December 2012}}</ref> In addition the mostly annulled November 2012 constitutional declaration would be replaced by a modified one.<ref>{{cite news|last=McCrummen|first=Stephanie|title=Egypt's Morsi annuls most of contested decree, stays firm on Dec. 15 referendum|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egyptian-president-poised-to-grant-military-broader-police-powers/2012/12/08/071a80f8-4131-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=8 December 2012}}</ref>
On 9 December, confusion and disarray pervaded the ranks of Egypt's opposition after Morsi rescinded his 22 November constitutional declaration a day earlier.<ref name="Al Jazeera English"/><ref name="bbc.co.uk"/><ref name="WP20121209" /> Despite the declaration's annulment the general prosecutor, who was dismissed, will not be reinstated, and the retrial of the former regime officials will go ahead.<ref name="BBC20121209">{{cite news|title=Egypt crisis: Opposition shuns Morsi move|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20659233|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=30 December 2012|date=9 December 2012}}</ref> Opposition leaders also called for more protests after Morsi refused to cancel the constitutional referendum in the wake of the declaration's annulment.<ref name="WP20121209">{{cite news|title=Confusion pervades Egypt's opposition after Morsi rescinds decree|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/egyptian-opposition-remains-defiant-after-morsi-annuls-decree/2012/12/09/351f8f26-41ee-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.html|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=9 December 2012|author1=Abigail Hauslohner |author2=Ingy Hassieb }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egyptian opposition calls for massive rally ahead of vote|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/09/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=wo_c2|publisher=CNN|access-date=30 December 2012|author1=Reza Sayah |author2=Amir Ahmed |date=9 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt opposition rejects planned referendum|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212964217991211.html|publisher=Al Jazeera English|access-date=30 December 2012|date=9 December 2012}}</ref> In response, the Alliance of Islamist Forces, an umbrella group that includes Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, said it would hold rival demonstrations. The group said its rallies would support of the referendum and the president under the slogan "Yes to legitimacy".<ref name="BBC20121209" />
On 10 December, the opposition group, the National Salvation Front, announced that it would organize a rally on 11 December.<ref name=rfe1012>{{cite news|title=Egyptian Opposition, Pro-Presidential Forces Planning Rival Rallies|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/egypt-opposition-pro-presidential-forces-planning-rival-rallies/24793896.html|access-date=10 December 2012|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=10 December 2012}}</ref>
===January 2013=== thumb|Shubra March to Tahrir on 25 January On the second anniversary of the beginning of the 2011 revolution, protests again erupted in cities across the country, following occasional skirmishes between protesters and police in Cairo the day before.<ref name="nytimes jan">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/middleeast/tens-of-thousands-fill-tahrir-square-on-anniversary-of-egyptian-revolt.html |title=Egyptians Protest on Revolt Anniversary |work=The New York Times|access-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608005058/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/middleeast/tens-of-thousands-fill-tahrir-square-on-anniversary-of-egyptian-revolt.html?ref=world&_r=0 |archive-date=8 June 2022 |first=David D. |last=Kirkpatrick |date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tahrir Square during the day, with clashes between police forces and protesters occurring around the city at the Interior Ministry headquarters, state media offices and the presidential palace.<ref name="nytimes jan"/> Security forces fired tear gas at protesters trying to force their way into the presidential palace and state television offices.<ref name="reuters jan"/> In the city of Suez, five people were killed by gunfire – four protesters and one security trooper.<ref name="reuters jan"/> Protests also took place in Alexandria, Ismailia, Damanhur, and Port Said,<ref name="nytimes jan"/><ref name="reuters jan"/><ref name="bbc jan">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21191260 |title=Fatal clashes on Egypt uprising anniversary |publisher=BBC |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125081825/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21191260 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> many of which were focused on local government buildings.<ref name="reuters jan"/> Tear gas use by police was reported in Alexandria, while protesters in that city and Suez burned tires.<ref name="reuters jan"/><ref name="bbc jan"/> By the end of 25 January, about 280 protesters and 55 security personnel had been injured across the country.<ref name="reuters jan">{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-anniversary-idUSBRE90N1E620130125|title=Five die in Egypt violence on anniversary of uprising|publisher=Reuters|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref>
On 26 January, the sentencing to death of 21 people for their roles in the Port Said Stadium disaster sparked further unrest in Port Said that resulted in 16 fatalities.<ref name="BBC-25Jan-FootballSentence">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21211984|title=Egypt unrest: Death sentences over football riots spark violence|publisher=BBC|date=26 January 2013| access-date=26 January 2013}}</ref> The number of people killed in the city was 33.<ref name=ridman>{{cite news|last=Ridman|first=Melanie|title=3 dead, hundreds hurt at funerals in Egypt port city|url=https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=301141|access-date=27 January 2013|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=27 January 2013|agency=Reuters}}</ref> Many of them were killed by police snipers. thumb|Tahrir Square on 25 January On 27 January, Egypt's government was reported to have lost control of Port Said as a result of the protests and attacks.<ref name="lostcontrol">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/world/middleeast/egypt-riots-soccer-verdict.html?_r=0|title=Egyptian City Erupts in Chaos After Sentences|date=27 January 2013|access-date=27 January 2013|work=The New York Times|author1=David D. Kirkpatrick |author2=Mayy El Sheikh }}</ref> The same day seven more people died from gun shots in the clashes during the funerals for 33 people who had been killed on 26 January in the city.<ref name=ahramonline2713>{{cite news|title=Seven die Sunday in Port Said clashes|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63428/Egypt/Politics-/UPDATE--Seven-die-Sunday-in-Port-Said-clashes.aspx|access-date=27 January 2013|newspaper=Ahram Online|date=27 January 2013}}</ref> There were also deadly clashes in Suez and Ismailia. As a result, Morsi announced a state of emergency in Suez Canal cities (namely Ismailia, Port Said and Suez) for 30 days, with a curfew from 9:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m, effective Monday, 28 January m.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mr. President's speech concerning the events of Port Said and Suez|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H96WRAKRoS0|access-date=28 January 2013|publisher=Egyptian Presidency|date=27 January 2013}}</ref> Morsi also invited eleven political parties, as well as four major political leaders, to talks concerning the unrest,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/morsy-invites-elbaradei-sabbahi-islamists-dialogue |title=Morsy invites ElBaradei, Sabbahi, Islamists to dialogue |newspaper=Egypt Independent |date=27 January 2013 |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130064856/http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/morsy-invites-elbaradei-sabbahi-islamists-dialogue |archive-date=30 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> but the leading opposition party, the National Salvation Front, refused to begin discussions until a new government was put in place and the country's constitution modified.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21234543 |title=Egypt opposition rejects Mohammed Morsi dialogue call |newspaper=BBC |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128185209/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21234543 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 28 January, further demonstrations and clashes took place in eleven cities, including those in the Suez Canal, Alexandria, Monufia and Cairo.<ref name=lat2813>{{cite news|last=Abdellatif|first=Reem|title=Egypt protests continue; opposition rejects talks with Morsi|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-egypt-protests-opposition-rejects-talks-morsi-20130128,0,2259587.story|access-date=28 January 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> The clashes resulted in six deaths.<ref name=lat2813/> Thousands of people gathered in the Tahrir Square to show their solidarity with those killed over the weekend early in the day.<ref name=lat2813/> Police fired tear gas at protesters near the Qasr al-Nil Bridge, while further violence spread along the Nile.<ref name="nytimes 28 jan"/> Protesters also set fire to security vehicles and detained a police officer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Update: Protesters detain police officer, torch armored vehicle in Tahrir|url=http://news.egypt.com/english/permalink/170495.html|access-date=29 January 2013|publisher=Egypt|date=28 January 2013|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813120606/http://news.egypt.com/english/permalink/170495.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Shura Council approved the President state of emergency decision as per the Constitution requirement. And to aid the police, it approved a law granting judicial seizure powers to the Army. A funeral procession in Port Said devolved into a street battle between mourners and police, with security troops firing tear gas and live ammunition at crowds from police buildings across the city; protesters threw rocks, explosives and gas canisters back at police, and by the end of the day civilians across the city were seen carrying guns and molotov cocktails.<ref name="nytimes 28 jan"/> A Ministry of the Interior spokesman, however, denied that police had fired on protesters, and said that tear gas had been used only briefly.<ref name="nytimes 28 jan"/> By the end of the day, a total of 50 people were estimated to have died since the January protests began.<ref name="nytimes 28 jan">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/world/middleeast/egypt-protests-cairo-port-said.html?pagewanted=all |title=Protests Grow on Fifth Day of Unrest in Egypt |newspaper=The New York Times |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129091404/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/world/middleeast/egypt-protests-cairo-port-said.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |archive-date=29 January 2013 |first1=David D. |last1=Kirkpatrick |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 29 January, Egypt's defense minister Abdul Fatah al-Sisi warned both pro- and anti-Morsi groups, arguing "their disagreement on running the affairs of the country may lead to the collapse of the state and threatened the future of the coming generations."<ref name=FahimKirkpatrick>{{cite news|last1=Fahim|first1=Kareem|last2=Kirkpatrick|first2=David D.|last3=Sheikh|first3=Mayy El|title=Egyptian Army Chief Warns of 'Collapse of State' Amid Chaos|work=The New York Times|date=30 January 2013|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/world/middleeast/egypt-protest-updates.html}}</ref>
On 30 January, two protesters were shot dead by unknown assailants in Cairo, near Tahrir square.<ref name="HinduTahrir">[http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/2-killed-in-violence-near-tahrir-square/article4361171.ece 2 killed in violence near Tahrir Square] The Hindu, 30 January 2013.</ref>
===February 2013=== On 1 February, protesters gathered in front of the presidential residence in Cairo and clashed with riot police officers.<ref name=fahimkirkpatrick1>{{cite news|title=Clashes at Egypt's Presidential Palace|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/02/world/middleeast/protests-in-cairo-remain-relatively-subdued.html?_r=0|access-date=1 February 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=1 February 2013|author=Kareem Fahim|author2=David D. Kirkpatrick}}</ref> President Morsi blamed police officers due to clashes.<ref name=fahimkirkpatrick1/> One protester was shot and killed next to Ettehadiya Palace, and ninety one were injured around the country according to the official sources.<ref name="EgyptIHealth">{{cite news|title=Health Ministry: One dead, 91 injured during Friday clashes|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/health-ministry-one-dead-91-injured-during-friday-clashes|work=Egypt Independent|date=2 February 2013|access-date=3 February 2013}}</ref> One of the wounded protesters who had been hit by birdshot died on 3 February.<ref name="Ahram2ndead">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63955/Egypt/Politics-/Second-Egyptian-protester-dies-from-wounds-sustain.aspx Second Egyptian protester dies from wounds sustained in palace clashes] Al Ahram, 3 February 2013</ref> thumb|Anti Sexual Harassment March to Tahrir Square, 6 February 2013. The ''Egypt Independent'' reported that police forces dragged a protester, stripped him naked, beat him up with batons, and took him to a security truck. The incident sparked criticism against the administration of Morsi for tolerating the security force's excessive use of force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/police-drag-protester-strip-him-naked|title=Police drag protester, strip him naked - Egypt Independent|date=February 2013}}</ref> The presidency said it "was pained by the shocking footage of some policemen treating a protester in a manner that does not accord with human dignity and human rights."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/02/263970.html |title=Al Arabiya: Egypt presidency says 'pained' by dragging, beating of naked protester |publisher=English.alarabiya.net |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814054843/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/02/02/263970.html |archive-date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> State television reported that the 48-year-old beaten man,<ref>{{cite web|author=FP Staff |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/man-beaten-by-egypt-police-shown-on-tv-blaming-protesters-612116.html |title=Man beaten by Egypt police shown on TV blaming protesters |date=3 February 2013 |publisher=Firstpost.com |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> from a police hospital and without a lawyer present, said that the police had in fact saved him from thieving protesters. The man's daughter, who says she was present at the scene of the attack, said that her father is simply "afraid to talk",<ref>{{cite news|author=Patrick Kingsley in Cairo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/03/egypt-footage-police-beating-protester |title=Egypt tensions rise as footage emerges of police beating protester |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 3 February 2013|access-date=14 August 2013 |location=London}}</ref> while his nephew said "he is lying because there is a lot of pressure on him."<ref>{{cite web|author=Samer al-Atrush |url=http://www.modernghana.com/news/443065/1/egypt-opposition-hardens-stand-on-morsi.html |title=AFP: Egypt opposition hardens stand on Morsi |publisher=Modernghana.com |date=2 February 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> In a new twist, Hamada Saber finally retracted his earlier testimony: "I told [prosecutors] today that [police] shot me in the leg, beat me and dragged me," he said. "When I resisted, they tore off my shirt. After I resisted some more, they tore off my pants and underpants. They kept telling me to stand up and I kept telling them I was injured". "Now my family has disowned me; my wife and kids won't talk to me. The whole country is angry at me for [giving false testimony]," Saber added.<ref>{{cite news|title=Victim of police torture changes testimony, accuses officers|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63977/Egypt/Politics-/Victim-of-police-torture-changes-testimony,-accuse.aspx|publisher=Al-Ahram|date=4 February 2013|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref>
Egypt's interior minister, Mohamed Ibrahim, said he would leave if it was in the wishes of the people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63894/Egypt/Politics-/I-will-leave-my-position-if-people-want-Egypts-int.aspx |title=Al Ahram: I will leave my position if people want: Egypt's interior minister |publisher=English.ahram.org.eg |date=2 February 2013 |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> Minister of Culture Mohamed Arab resigned from his post in protest at the police assault on protesters, being the third Culture Minister to resign from office since the beginning of the 2011 Egyptian uprising.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's culture minister resigns 'to protest assault on stripped protester'|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/5/35/64057/Arts--Culture/Stage--Street/Egypts-culture-minister-resigns-to-protest-assault.aspx|publisher=Al-Ahram|date=4 February 2013|access-date=5 February 2013}}</ref>
On 4 February, Mohamed el-Gendy, a member of the Popular Current tortured by the police following his arrest at Tahrir Square on 27 January, died in the Helal hospital due to his?injuries.<ref name="Egyptprotester">{{cite news|title=Egypt protester El-Gendy was tortured: Security sources|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/64151/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-protester-ElGendy-was-tortured-Security-sour.aspx|publisher=Al Ahram|date=6 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="AhramelGendy">{{cite news|title=Egypt protester dies from alleged police torture|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/63989.aspx|publisher=Al Ahram|date=4 February 2013|access-date=4 February 2013}}</ref>
On 11 February, the second anniversary of the former president Mobarak's ouster, people gathered outside the presidential palace, protesting Morsi.<ref name=makar>{{cite news|title=Egypt Protests on Anniversary of Mubarak Ouster|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/masked-men-block-egypt-subway-scuffles-break-18464180|access-date=11 February 2013|newspaper=ABC|date=11 February 2013|author=Sarah El Deeb|author2=Amir Makar|agency=AP|location=Cairo}}</ref>
===March 2013=== On 3 March, clashes erupted in Port Said when police fired teargas at demonstrators opposed to the Interior Ministry's decision to transfer 39 detainees from Port Said to the Wadi Natroun Prison, in the Beheira governorate. The clashes took the lives of five peoples, including two policemen and three civilians. News outlets reported that police forces and army troops exchange fire, what was denied by the Egyptian armed forces official spokesperson. Over 500 persons were injured only in Port Said that day, with 39 with bullet wounds.<ref name="AlAhramSaidMarch13">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/66058/Egypt/Politics-/Port-Said-confirms--civilians,--police-dead-Health.aspx Port Said confirms 3 civilians, 2 police dead: Health ministry] Al Ahram, 4 March 2013</ref><ref>[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/66041/Egypt/Politics-/UPDATED-Five-killed-in-Port-Said-clashes;-Egypt-ar.aspx UPDATED: Five killed in Port Said clashes; Egypt army denies exchanging fire with police] Al Ahram, 4 March 2013</ref>
On 5 March, protester Mohamed Hamed Farouk died from head wounds caused by gas canisters fired by police during protests in Port Said.<ref name="AlAhramFaroukMarch13">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/66233/Egypt/Politics-/One-protester-killed-in-Egypts-Port-Said-on-Tuesda.aspx One protester killed in Egypt's Port Said on Tuesday] Al Ahram, 6 March 2013</ref>
On 9 March, three protesters died (one of them an eight-year-old boy) in clashes between demonstrators and police at Qasr al-Nil Bridge, near Tahrir Square.<ref name="AlAhramQasrNil">[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/66494/Egypt/Politics-/Riots-follow-court-verdict-as-Egypt-braces-for-mor.aspx Riots follow court verdict as Egypt braces for more violence] Al-Ahram, 11 March 2013</ref> In addition, the headquarters of the Ittihad El-Shorta (the Egyptian National Police football club) and the Egyptian Football Association were torched.<ref>[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/66510/Egypt/Politics-/Calm-morning-follows-a-tense-night-of-clashes-in-E.aspx Calm morning follows a tense night of clashes in Egypt's Mahalla] Al Ahram, 10 March 2013</ref>
On 30 March, an arrest warrant was issued for Bassem Youssef, host of the satirical news program ''El Bernameg'', for allegedly insulting Islam and Morsi. The move was seen by opponents as part of an effort to silence dissent against Morsi's government. Youssef confirmed the arrest warrant on his Twitter account and said he would hand himself in to the prosecutor's office, jokingly adding, "Unless they kindly send a police van today and save me the transportation hassle."<ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/30/bassem-youssef-arrest-warrant-egypt-jon-stewart_n_2985235.html Arrest Warrant Issued For Bassem Youssef, TV Satirist Known As 'Egypt's Jon Stewart'] by Sarah El Deeb, ''Associated Press'' (reprinted in the Huffington Post), 30 March 2013.</ref> The following day, he was questioned by authorities before being released on bail of 15,000 Egyptian pounds.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/03/20133318332892628.html Egypt satirist questioned for insulting Morsi], ''Al Jazeera English'', 31 March 2013.</ref><ref name=newyorktimes>{{cite news|last=Fahim|first=Kareem|title=Egyptian Satirist Posts Bail as Authorities Press Case|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/01/world/middleeast/bassem-youssef-posts-bail-as-egyptian-authorities-press-case.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> The event sparked international media attention<ref>[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/02/Worldwide-support-for-Egyptian-satirist-s-fight-for-free-speech.html Worldwide support for Egyptian satirist's fight for free speech], ''Al Arabiya'', 2 April 2013.</ref> as well as a segment on Jon Stewart's ''The Daily Show'' in which he declared his support for Youssef, calling him a "friend" and "brother" and saying to Morsi: "What are you worried about? You're the President of Egypt! You have an army! Youssef's got puns and a show; you've got tanks and planes."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyDOAQNsTrI The Daily Show: Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, and Bassem Youssef], ''The Daily Show'', 2 April 2013.</ref>
===April 2013=== In April 2013, protesters fled to Tahrir Square after riot police chased them off with tear gas and pepper spray.
===May 2013=== During Morsis's last days and after the ouster of his regime, the Sinai Peninsula witnessed an ongoing insurgency with several attacks perpetrated by Islamist militants mainly in the North Sinai governorate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/faultlines/2012/12/2012121874352233407.html|title=The battle for the Sinai|date=19 December 2012|publisher=Aljazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://world.time.com/2012/08/09/egypts-morsy-walks-a-political-minefield-in-sinai-crisis/|title=Egypt's Morsy Walks a Political Minefield in Sinai Crisis|date=9 August 2012|publisher=Time World}}</ref> Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood's biggest ally outside of Egypt, is being widely blamed by Egyptians for the attacks in the region although no solid evidence proves it. The reason for Hamas being blamed was the increasing activity in the smuggling tunnels from the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/2013/06/10/egypt-blame-hamas-palestinians-for-violence-in-sinai/|title=Egypt blames Hamas, Palestinians for violence in Sinai|date=10 June 2013|publisher=World Tribune|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717085632/http://www.worldtribune.com/2013/06/10/egypt-blame-hamas-palestinians-for-violence-in-sinai/|archive-date=17 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetower.org/as-egyptian-army-again-moves-against-smuggling-tunnels-hamas-officials-lash-out-at-egyptian-media/|title=As Egyptian Army Again Moves Against Smuggling Tunnels, Hamas Officials Lash Out at Egyptian Media|date=28 June 2013|publisher=The Tower}}</ref> A case that received wide controversy was the possible involvement of Hamas in the orchestrated attacks on prisons throughout the country on the night of 28 January during the 2011 uprising against Mubarak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/2011-jail-breaks-become-political-issue-egypt-063850341.html|title=2011 jail breaks become political issue in Egypt|date=23 May 2013|publisher=Yahoo News}}</ref> In the prison breaks, more than 30 leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood who were imprisoned by Mubarak in the outbreak of revolution, escaped including Mohamed Morsi himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=603991|title=Fatah: Egypt, PA discuss Hamas prison break role|date=11 June 2013|publisher=Ma'an News Agency|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-date=12 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612121319/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=603991|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 16 May, seven Egyptian soldiers were kidnapped by unknown militants in the Sinai demanding the release of members of an Islamist group detained for almost two years. One week later, they were reportedly released and handed over to the army in an area south of Rafah after talks mediated by tribal chiefs in the region with president Morsi greeting them upon their arrival at Cairo's airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/militants-release-seven-egyptians-kidnapped-sinai|title=Militants release seven Egyptians kidnapped in Sinai|date=22 May 2013|work=Egypt Independent}}</ref> The real issue though is Morsi's way of dealing with the crisis with most actions taken by the government to solve the problem receiving wide criticism. Such reactions include Morsi's call for a national dialogue instead of either fighting or negotiating with the kidnappers and for also appearing as being concerned for the safety of the kidnapped soldiers and their kidnappers equally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/05/20/regarding-the-kidnapped-soldiers/|title=Regarding the kidnapped Soldiers|date=20 May 2013|work=Daily News Egypt}}</ref>
Mohamed Sayed Abu-Shaqra, a security officer, was assassinated more than a week later by suspected jihadists near El-Arish while investigating the identity of the kidnappers and their location. During his funeral, relatives and colleagues started chanting against the president forcing the Interior minister to leave the military ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/police-blame-sinai-jihadis-officer-s-murder|title=Police blame Sinai jihadis for officer's murder|date=10 June 2013|work=Egypt Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentPrint/1/0/73635/Egypt/0/Egypt-interior-minister-forced-to-leave-security-o.aspx|title=Egypt interior minister forced to leave security officer's funeral|date=10 June 2013|publisher=Ahram Online}}</ref>
===June 2013=== On 17 June, Morsi appointed Adel el-Khayat, an Islamist possibly linked to the Luxor massacre where at least 58 tourists were brutally killed by al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya gunmen, as governor of Luxor with 17 other provincial governors. The move sparked protests by tourism workers and activists in Luxor outside el-Khayat's office forcing him to finally resign a week later in order to prevent bloodshed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/17/morsi-appoints-islamist-governor-luxor|title=Egypt's Mohamed Morsi appoints hardline Islamist to govern Luxor|date=17 June 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|first=Patrick|last=Kingsley}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/egypt-morsi-appointed-luxor-governor-resigns-114403748.html|title=Egypt: Morsi-appointed Luxor governor resigns|date=23 June 2013|work=Yahoo News}}</ref>
On 23 June, four Shia Muslims were attacked by an angry mob led by Salafist preachers. The attackers numbering at least several hundred surrounded the house and demanded Hassan Shehata, a local Shia leader, and his followers who were attending a worshiping ceremony to leave the house before storming it with molotov cocktails. Images showed the attackers beating them to death, lynching and later dragging them through the streets.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23026865|title=Egypt mob attack kills four Shia Muslims near Cairo|date=24 June 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> The tragedy came only a few days after a conference in support of the Syrian uprising that was attended by Morsi and leading Islamist figures. During the conference, Sheikh Mohamed Hassan and al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya's Mohamed Abdel-Maqsoud used sectarian speech against the Shias. Morsi was present during the event so he was heavily criticized by the media for not reacting against the hate and sectarianism used by both clerics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentPrint/1/0/74899/Egypt/0/Amnesty-urges-Morsi-to-protect-Egypt%E2%80%99s-Shias.aspx|title=Amnesty urges Morsi to protect Egypt's Shias|date=25 June 2013|work=Ahram Online}}</ref>
On 26 June, Morsi delivered a two-hour-and-forty-minute speech to the nation. It was supposed to be a re-conciliatory speech but was widely viewed as provocative and full of threats and accusations targeted against his opponents including media presenters and Ahmed Shafik, his former rival in the 2012 Egyptian presidential elections. He used questionable statistics to describe accomplishments made by his administration in tourism and unemployment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acus.org/egyptsource/morsi%E2%80%99s-pre-tamarod-speech-threats-lies-and-manipulation|title=Morsi's Pre-Tamarod Speech: Threats, Lies, and Manipulation|date=27 June 2013|publisher=Atlantic Council|access-date=1 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630142021/http://www.acus.org/egyptsource/morsi%E2%80%99s-pre-tamarod-speech-threats-lies-and-manipulation|archive-date=30 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the speech the opposition stated that it is even more determined to take to the streets on the planned 30 June uprising against the president.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2013/06/27/Egypt-opposition-even-determined-Morsi-speech_8937687.html|title=Egypt: opposition even more determined after Morsi speech|date=27 June 2013|work=Ansamed|access-date=1 July 2013|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621051100/http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2013/06/27/Egypt-opposition-even-determined-Morsi-speech_8937687.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 28 June, three individuals were killed during clashes between pro- and anti-Morsi protesters in the city of Alexandria, including 21-year-old Andrew Pochter, an American student who was reportedly stabbed to death as he observed the demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/friday-protests-in-egypt-portend-violence/2013/06/28/ac413f3e-e016-11e2-8cf3-35c1113cfcc5_story.html|title=Egyptian group accuses U.S. of backing Morsi; American student killed during clashes|last=Hauslohner|first=Abigail|date=28 June 2013|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=30 June 2013}}</ref> On 29 June 2013, thousands of Egyptians converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to demonstrate against the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, demanding his resignation from office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt protests: Thousands gather at Tahrir Square to demand Morsi's ouster|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/06/30/egypt_protests_thousands_gather_at_tahrir_square_to_demand_morsis_ouster.html|author=Hamza Hendawi The Associated Press, Alastair Macdonald|date=30 July 2013|work=The Star|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt: BBC inside Tahrir Square amid demonstration|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-middle-east-23116749|date=30 June 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> The demonstrators used the slogan "the people demand the ouster of the regime", used in the protests that led to the ouster of Mubarak in the 2011 revolution.<ref name=AlArabiya30June>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/30/Egypt-braces-for-June-30-rebellion-as-Mursi-marks-first-year-.html|title=Tahrir Square protesters show President Mursi the 'red card'|work=Al Arabiya|date=30 June 2013}}</ref>
{{External media|video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxhcDzoCe9g Helicopter view of the Tens of thousands of protesters]|float = right}} By 30 June, thousands of protesters surrounded the presidential palace in the Heliopolis suburb.<ref name="http"/> Demonstrations were reported to be in progress in 18 locations across Cairo<ref name=TheAtlanticJune30/> and in other different locations across the country including Alexandria, El-Mahalla and cities of the Suez Canal.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="menasolidaritynetwork.com"/> The demonstrations are described as being backed by multiple entities, including the Tamarod movement formed by members of the Egyptian Movement for Change in April 2013 that claims to have collected 22 million signatures calling for President Morsi's resignation.<ref name=AlArabiya30June/><ref name="AlArabiya29June" /> Opponents of Morsy claimed Google Earth had published figures suggesting 33 million demonstrators were on the streets. Responding to the claims that it recorded 33 million protesters in Tahrir Square, Google confirmed that its engines do not have the ability to estimate numbers of rallies or protests on the ground. Furthermore, it insisted that it does not publish live imaging of protests or any other events on planet earth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/resources/commentary-and-analysis/6682-google-throws-a-spanner-in-al-sisis-works|title=Google throws a spanner in Al-Sisi's works|work=Middle East Monitor - The Latest from the Middle East|access-date=22 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813220345/http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/resources/commentary-and-analysis/6682-google-throws-a-spanner-in-al-sisis-works|archive-date=13 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although sources estimate as many as 14 million people roamed the streets of the country, which means about one of every six people of the nation of 84 million took part in Sunday's demonstrations in sweltering heat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-idUSBRE95Q0NO20130630|title=Millions flood Egypt's streets to demand Mursi quit|author1=Shaimaa Fayed |author2=Yasmine Saleh |date=30 June 2013|work=Reuters}}</ref> Later, pro-Morsi Qatari based Aljazeera News Channel also broadcast a documentary suggesting through calculations and experts analysis that the number of those who protested against Morsi in Cairo couldn't have exceeded 800,000 in Cairo and 4 Millions across Egypt,<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9PLmZB7Xgo|title=الجدل بشأن الحشود المشاركة في 30يونيو - YouTube|date=1 August 2013|via=YouTube}}</ref> despite the pro-Morsi Aljazeera channel claiming two years before that Tahrir Square alone had more than one million and up to 2 million people during the 25 January revolution.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_kEyDnSJNk|title=Al Jazeera Coverage of Two Million People March in Cairo's Tahrir Square [8-8_30AM EST 2_1_2011]|date=26 March 2011|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/2/2/protesters-flood-egypt-streets-2|title=Million man march kicks off|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> {{refn| group=note |Several independent crowd-size analyses carried out in 2011 based on Tahrir Square's physical dimensions and density pointed to smaller numbers, suggesting a maximum capacity of 200,000 to 250,000 individuals within the square and surrounding areas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=Update on the Size of Protests in Cairo |url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/update-size-protests-cairo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116130839/https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/update-size-protests-cairo |archive-date =16 November 2018 |website=worldview.stratfor.com |quote=...Tahrir Square can accommodate approximately 200,000 people. However, images from Tahrir Square show empty spaces in the middle of the square and along the edges, meaning it is not yet at capacity. Also, protesters are moving around the square. Since movement requires more space, this shows that the crowd density apparently has not reached one person per 2.5 square feet. Protesters are also present in the seven side streets leading into Tahrir Square and on bridges and roads along the Nile, possibly adding several tens of thousands of protesters more. However, these protesters do not appear to be numerous enough to reach the reported estimates of 2 million.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shachtman |first=Noah |date=1 February 2011 |title=How Many People Are in Tahrir Square? Here's How to Tell [Updated] |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/02/how-many-people-are-in-tahrir-square-heres-how-to-tell/ |access-date=19 November 2024 |work=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028 |quote=These are crude numbers but I would venture an estimate of 200,000 max for those four contiguous spaces. There are of course several streets that feed into the "square" and the possibility of another 50,000 or so in those feeder spaces abutting the "square."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Robert |date=1 February 2011 |title=Updates on Day 8 of Protests in Egypt |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/latest-updates-on-day-8-of-protests-in-egypt/#:~:text=A%20colleague%20on%20The%20New%20York%20Times%20graphics%20desk,%20Sergio%20J.%20Pecanha,%20used%20a%20satellite%20photograph%20of%20Tahrir%20Square%20to%20estimate%20that%20it%20would%20hold%20roughly%20225,000%20people%20at%20maximum%20capacity: |access-date=19 November 2024 |website=The Lede |language=en |quote=A colleague on The New York Times graphics desk, Sergio J. Pecanha, used a satellite photograph of Tahrir Square to estimate that it would hold roughly 225,000 people at maximum capacity}}</ref>}}
Concurrently with these anti-Morsi demonstrations, supporters of Morsi held demonstrations mainly in Rabaa Square in Cairo.<ref name=TheAtlanticJune30>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/06/seeking-new-leadership-millions-of-egyptians-take-to-the-streets/277419/|title=Seeking New Leadership, Millions of Egyptians Take to the Streets|author=Umar Farooq|date=30 June 2013|work=The Atlantic}}</ref> The number of pro-Morsi counter-protesters has been estimated to be about 100,000 people on 21 June (though it's not clear whether as many were on the streets in the period between 30 June and 3 July).<ref name=HuffingtonPostJune21>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/21/morsi-supporters-protest_n_3480649.html|title=More Than 100,000 Morsi Supporters Protest Ahead of Opposition Rally in Egypt |author1=Hamza Hendawi |author2=Maggie Michael |date=21 June 2013|work=Huffington Post}}</ref>
===July 2013 (ousting of Morsi)=== {{main|2013 Egyptian coup d'état|June 2013 Egyptian protests}} On the morning of 1 July, anti-Morsi protesters ransacked the national headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo. Protesters threw objects at windows and looted the building, making off with office equipment and documents. The health ministry confirmed the deaths of eight people who had been killed in clashes around the headquarters in Mokattam.<ref name="BBC News #2">{{cite news|title=Egypt protesters storm Muslim Brotherhood headquarters|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23125387|access-date=1 July 2013|work=BBC News|date=1 July 2013}}</ref>
Hours later, the Egyptian Armed Forces issued a 48-hour ultimatum which gave the country's political parties until 3 July to meet the demands of the Egyptian people. The military also threatened to intervene if the dispute is not resolved by them.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|last=Abdelaziz|first=Salma|title=Egyptian military issues warning over protests|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/01/world/meast/egypt-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|access-date=1 July 2013|work=CNN|date=1 July 2013}}</ref> Four Ministers also resigned on the same day: Tourism Minister Hisham Zazou (who previously offered to resign a few months ago after Morsi appointed an Islamist linked to the group that attacked tourists as governor of Luxor), Communication and IT Minister Atef Helmi, State Minister for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hatem Bagato and State Minister for Environmental Affairs Khaled Abdel Aal,<ref>{{Cite news|author=Patrick Werr|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-protests-ministers-idUSBRE9600IE20130701|access-date=1 July 2013|title=Four Egyptian ministers resign after protests: cabinet official|work=Reuters|date=1 July 2013}}</ref> leaving the government with members of the Freedom and Justice Party.
On 2 July Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr resigned as well in support of the anti-government protesters.<ref>{{cite news|title=FM becomes fifth cabinet official to resign|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/fm-becomes-fifth-cabinet-official-resign|access-date=2 July 2013|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=2 July 2013}}</ref> The presidency rejected the Egyptian Army's 48-hour ultimatum vowing that the president is sticking with his own plans for national reconciliation to resolve the political crisis.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23140212|access-date=2 July 2013|title=Egypt crisis: President Morsi rejects army ultimatum|work=BBC News|date=2 July 2013}}</ref> Defense Minister General Abdul Fatah al-Sisi was also said to have told Morsi that he would impose a military solution if a political one could not be found by the next day.<ref name="bloom">{{cite news|last=Shahine |first=Alaa |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-02/mursi-trust-in-military-man-s-loyalty-backfires-as-egypt-teeters.html |title=Mursi Trust in Army's Man Loyalty Backfires as Egypt Teeters |publisher=Bloomberg.com |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref>
Incidentally the Court of Cassation ordered the reinstatement of former general prosecutor Abdel Maguid Mahmoud who was replaced with Talaat Abdallah following the constitutional declaration on 22 November 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court orders return of Meguid Mahmoud as prosecutor general|url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/court-orders-return-meguid-mahmoud-prosecutor-general|access-date=2 July 2013|newspaper=Egypt Independent|date=2 July 2013}}</ref> The Presidency spokesman and the spokesman for the cabinet resigned as well.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/latest-wave-resignations-cabinet-presidency-spokesmen-quit|date = 2 July 2013|title = Latest wave of resignations as Cabinet, Presidency spokesmen quit |work = Egypt Independent}}</ref>
The newspaper ''Al-Ahram'' reported that if there was no resolution the military would suspend the constitution of Egypt and appoint a new council of experts to draft a new one, institute a three-person executive council and appoint a prime minister from the military.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kirkpatrick|first=David D.|title=Morsi Defies Egypt Army's Ultimatum to Bend to Protest|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/world/middleeast/egypt-protests.html|access-date=3 July 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 July 2013|author2=Hubbard, Ben}}</ref> Morsi's military advisor, Sami Hafez Anan, also resigned and said that the army would not "abandon the will of the people."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/20137215593626253.html |title=Morsi tells Egypt army to withdraw ultimatum – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref>
Morsi declared, in a late-night television address, that he would "defend the legitimacy of his elected office with his life".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23154233|title=Egypt's Mohammed Morsi vows to stay in office|date=3 July 2013|work=BBC News}}</ref> He added that "there is no substitute for legitimacy" as he vowed not to resign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/20137222343142718.html |title=Egypt's Morsi says he will not step down – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> Morsi accused supporters of Hosni Mubarak of exploiting the wave of protests to topple the government and fight democracy.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/egypt-protesters-mass-after-morsi-snub/story-fn3dxix6-1226673461184 | work=The Australian | title=Egypt military chiefs hold crisis talks | date=3 July 2013}}</ref> SCAF leaders also issued a statement entitled "The Final Hours" in which they said that the military is willing to shed its blood "to protect the people against terrorists and fools" following Morsi's refusal to step down from his elected office.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi, Army Chiefs Prepare For Showdown Hours Ahead of Ultimatum|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/03/egypt-president-morsi-army-showdown_n_3539548.html?ref=topbar|work=Huffington Post| first=Eline|last=Gordts|date=3 July 2013}}</ref>
On 3 July, unknown gunmen opened fire on a pro-Morsi rally in Cairo, killing 16 and wounding 200.<ref name="dawn">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1022322|title=Gun attack on Cairo pro-Morsi rally kills 16: ministry|date=3 July 2013|website=Dawn}}</ref> As the 16:35 deadline set by the army approached, military leaders met for emergency talks with the army expected to issue a statement when the deadline passes. Mohamed El-Baradei, who was chosen to represent the National Salvation Front, was also said to have met army chief General Abdul Fatah al-Sisi.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/07/20137394753443155.html |title=Egypt's Morsi offers consensus government – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> On 3 July, just before the deadline approached, Morsi offered to form a consensus government. An army statement read: "The General Command of the Armed Forces is currently meeting with a number of religious, national, political and youth icons...There will be a statement issued from the General Command as soon as they are done." At the same time the Freedom and Justice Party's senior leader, Waleed al-Haddad, said: "We do not go to invitations (meetings) with anyone. We have a president and that's it."<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
The head of the Egyptian Armed Forces and Defense Minister Abdul Fatah al-Sisi spoke at night from Cairo and said that the army was standing apart from the political process but was using its vision as the Egyptian people were calling for help and discharged its responsibility. Morsi was removed from power, the draft constitution was suspended and Chief Justice Adli Mansour was named interim president. Mohammed el-Baradei says the roadmap was to rectify the issues of the revolution. The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Coptic Pope Tawadros II as well as opposition leader Mohamed El Baradei and a youth member of the Tamarod movement, who were present during the statement, spoke in support of the 3 July coup. The move led to continuous civil unrest in Egypt until the present day.
==See also== * 2011 Egyptian Revolution * 2005-2006 Egyptian protests
==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/12/06/egypts-constitutional-crisis-explained-as-a-simple-timeline/?tid=pm_world_pop Egypt's constitutional crisis, explained as a simple timeline] A timeline explaining the crisis around Egypt's draft constitution by Max Fisher from the Washington Post and published on 6 December 2012
{{Egyptian Revolution of 2011}} {{Egypt Protests and Revolutions}} {{Egypt topics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Egyptian protests, 2012}} Category:Arab rebellions Category:Egyptian revolution of 2011 Category:2012 in Egypt Category:2012 protests 2012 Category:2013 in Egypt Category:2013 protests Category:Arab Winter in Egypt Category:Politics of Egypt 2012-2013 Egyptian protests Category:Protests in Egypt Category:Riots and civil disorder in Egypt Category:Egyptian Crisis (2011–2014)