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Egypt activists to go on strike | |
(20 minutes later) | |
Opposition activists in Egypt are preparing for a strike in protest against rising food prices and the political situation in the country. | Opposition activists in Egypt are preparing for a strike in protest against rising food prices and the political situation in the country. |
Hundreds of people were detained following a similar protest last month. | |
A coalition of groups and individuals has organised the general strike, largely through the social networking site Facebook. | |
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition movement, has urged its members to support the protest. | The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition movement, has urged its members to support the protest. |
Another backer is Kefaya, a pro-democracy organisation. | Another backer is Kefaya, a pro-democracy organisation. |
Organisers have called on Egyptians to stay at home, but if they do go out to wear black as a symbol of mourning for the country's future. | Organisers have called on Egyptians to stay at home, but if they do go out to wear black as a symbol of mourning for the country's future. |
Soaring prices | Soaring prices |
The BBC's Ian Pannell in Cairo says the strike reflects growing unease over rising food prices and the lack of meaningful political reform in the country. | The BBC's Ian Pannell in Cairo says the strike reflects growing unease over rising food prices and the lack of meaningful political reform in the country. |
Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices. | Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices. |
Some basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger. | Some basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger. |
Egyptian food crisis bites | Egyptian food crisis bites |
This is a worrying development for a government that maintains public order with a strong hand, our correspondent says. | This is a worrying development for a government that maintains public order with a strong hand, our correspondent says. |
The day of action coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981. | The day of action coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981. |
President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%. | President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%. |
But the authorities have also warned they will not tolerate dissent on the streets. | But the authorities have also warned they will not tolerate dissent on the streets. |
There were two days of clashes with riot police after the security services prevented textile workers from carrying out industrial action during a similar day of protests last month. | There were two days of clashes with riot police after the security services prevented textile workers from carrying out industrial action during a similar day of protests last month. |
Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody. | Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody. |
Are you in Egypt? Are you planning on striking? How are you coping with rising food prices? Send us your comments using the form below. | Are you in Egypt? Are you planning on striking? How are you coping with rising food prices? Send us your comments using the form below. |