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| Syria: rocket attack shatters fragile ceasefire - live updates | Syria: rocket attack shatters fragile ceasefire - live updates |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| 12.18pm: Bahrain: A lawyer representing jailed activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja says he will seek a court order granting him visiting rights to his client, the Associated Press reports. | |
| The attorney, Mohamed al-Jishi, says he last saw Khawaja on April 4. Khawaja began a hunger strike more than 70 days ago and his condition has become a source of growing speculation. | |
| 12.00pm:Here's a recap of the main developments so far today: | |
| Syria | Syria |
| • Up to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a residential area in Hama. Video footage showed spontaneous protests at the scene as bodies were pulled from the rubble. State media said 16 people died in the blast in a house used as a bomb factory by "armed terrorist groups". | |
| • The Arab League is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria. The opposition Syrian National Council called for the UN's security council to hold an urgent meeting following the alleged massacre in Hama. | • The Arab League is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis in Syria. The opposition Syrian National Council called for the UN's security council to hold an urgent meeting following the alleged massacre in Hama. |
| • France has threatened to demand international intervention if Bashar al-Assad's forces fail to halt the violence by early May, the Independent reports. Alain Juppé, the French foreign minister, said he would push for a Chapter 7 resolution – which allows for military action to "restore international peace and security" – if Damascus does not comply with the ceasefire. He described 5 May, when the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is due to present a report to the security council on Syria's compliance with his plan, as the "moment of truth". | • France has threatened to demand international intervention if Bashar al-Assad's forces fail to halt the violence by early May, the Independent reports. Alain Juppé, the French foreign minister, said he would push for a Chapter 7 resolution – which allows for military action to "restore international peace and security" – if Damascus does not comply with the ceasefire. He described 5 May, when the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is due to present a report to the security council on Syria's compliance with his plan, as the "moment of truth". |
| • The UN estimates that Annan will have a budget of almost $8m for his role as international envoy to Syria, according to UN Report. Annan will have a staff of 18 people and travel alone will cost more than $1.5m over the next 10 months, a UN documents reveals. | |
| Egypt | Egypt |
| • Egypt's election commission has reinstated former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential race, a day after he was disqualified. The Islamist-dominated parliament passed a law barring former senior officials of Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for office, but the commission referred the law to the constitutional court on Wednesday and then reinstated Shafiq. | • Egypt's election commission has reinstated former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential race, a day after he was disqualified. The Islamist-dominated parliament passed a law barring former senior officials of Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for office, but the commission referred the law to the constitutional court on Wednesday and then reinstated Shafiq. |
| Bahrain | Bahrain |
| • Hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is in "good health" and receiving medical care, Bahraini officials insisted after claims by his family that he had disappeared from a military hospital, al-Jazeera reports. The statement by Bahrain's interior ministry came after social media postings raised the alarm about the fate of Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike since 8 February. | |
| • Police have raided more homes and made several more arrests in the continuing crackdown against protesters, opposition activists claimed. The opposition party, al-Wefaq, posted a photograph purporting to show one of the homes raided. | • Police have raided more homes and made several more arrests in the continuing crackdown against protesters, opposition activists claimed. The opposition party, al-Wefaq, posted a photograph purporting to show one of the homes raided. |
| 11.31am: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council has called for an emergency meeting of the UN security council following yesterday's alleged massacre of scores of people in Hama. | 11.31am: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council has called for an emergency meeting of the UN security council following yesterday's alleged massacre of scores of people in Hama. |
| In a statement [in Arabic] it condemned the attack on the Mashaa at-Tayyar district. It said the world cannot wait for the Syrian government to commit more massacres. | In a statement [in Arabic] it condemned the attack on the Mashaa at-Tayyar district. It said the world cannot wait for the Syrian government to commit more massacres. |
| The state news agency, Sana, said "terrorists" were to be blame for 16 deaths. It suggested explosives accidentally went off in a makeshift bomb making factory [warning: graphic images]. | The state news agency, Sana, said "terrorists" were to be blame for 16 deaths. It suggested explosives accidentally went off in a makeshift bomb making factory [warning: graphic images]. |
| 11.12am: Bahrain: Speculation continues today over the fate of imprisoned hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and there's now a Twitter hashtag, #WhereIsKhawaja. | 11.12am: Bahrain: Speculation continues today over the fate of imprisoned hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and there's now a Twitter hashtag, #WhereIsKhawaja. |
| His family have been allowed no contact with him since Monday, though they were previously in touch by telephone. His lawyer is also said to have been denied visits. | His family have been allowed no contact with him since Monday, though they were previously in touch by telephone. His lawyer is also said to have been denied visits. |
| There are fears that Khawaja might be dead, though it's also possible he's alive and being held incommunicado – perhaps while being forcibly fed. | There are fears that Khawaja might be dead, though it's also possible he's alive and being held incommunicado – perhaps while being forcibly fed. |
| In response to rumours yesterday, the Bahraini interior ministry posted this tweet: | In response to rumours yesterday, the Bahraini interior ministry posted this tweet: |
| Abdulhadi Al Khawaja is in good health despite rumors. He is in hospital receiving full medical care #Bahrain | Abdulhadi Al Khawaja is in good health despite rumors. He is in hospital receiving full medical care #Bahrain |
| — Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 25, 2012 | — Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 25, 2012 |
| This failed to provide much reassurance: how could Khawaja be in "good health" while requiring "full medical care" in hospital? Meanwhile, Khawaja's wife has reportedly been told that his doctor has forbidden all calls and visits – but without explaining why: | This failed to provide much reassurance: how could Khawaja be in "good health" while requiring "full medical care" in hospital? Meanwhile, Khawaja's wife has reportedly been told that his doctor has forbidden all calls and visits – but without explaining why: |
| Prison's head told Khawaja's wife: "Doctor banned all visits & calls for AbdulHadi. I asked him why? he says he dosnt know!" #WhereIsKhawaja | Prison's head told Khawaja's wife: "Doctor banned all visits & calls for AbdulHadi. I asked him why? he says he dosnt know!" #WhereIsKhawaja |
| — Bahrain Human Rights (@BahrainRights) April 26, 2012 | — Bahrain Human Rights (@BahrainRights) April 26, 2012 |
| Activist Ala'a Shehabi also recalls an earlier conversation with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone who had apparently been told by the crown prince that Khawaja would be released and deported once the controversial grand prix race was over: | Activist Ala'a Shehabi also recalls an earlier conversation with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone who had apparently been told by the crown prince that Khawaja would be released and deported once the controversial grand prix race was over: |
| Ecclestone told me Crown Prince said Alkhawaja was going to be released and deported on April 23. Which one lies, or both?#WhereIsKhawaja | Ecclestone told me Crown Prince said Alkhawaja was going to be released and deported on April 23. Which one lies, or both?#WhereIsKhawaja |
| — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 25, 2012 | — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 25, 2012 |
| 11.06am: Syria: The Arab League is to hold an emergency on Syria in Cairo today, CNN reports. | 11.06am: Syria: The Arab League is to hold an emergency on Syria in Cairo today, CNN reports. |
| 10.12am: Syria: Reports from Syria often give the impression that the country's Kurds have remained on the sidelines of the uprising against the Assad regime – but this is misleading, Thomas McGee argues in an article for Comment is free. He writes: | 10.12am: Syria: Reports from Syria often give the impression that the country's Kurds have remained on the sidelines of the uprising against the Assad regime – but this is misleading, Thomas McGee argues in an article for Comment is free. He writes: |
| In March 2011 as the revolution was still unfolding, the Kurdish Youth Movement made a clear statement in support of peaceful protest against the regime across Syria. This group has considerable support and influence on the ground and is active in calling for and organising protests. It works with other youth groups, coordinating committees and activists throughout Syria and has considerable political reach within revolutionary circles in Syria. | In March 2011 as the revolution was still unfolding, the Kurdish Youth Movement made a clear statement in support of peaceful protest against the regime across Syria. This group has considerable support and influence on the ground and is active in calling for and organising protests. It works with other youth groups, coordinating committees and activists throughout Syria and has considerable political reach within revolutionary circles in Syria. |
| Such widespread popular participation is not necessarily accompanied by strong and unified commitment from the Kurdish parties. Yet, it is inaccurate when writers extrapolate from the weakness of institutionalised (party-based) Kurdish representation to assume that Kurdish participation in general is very limited or non-existent. | Such widespread popular participation is not necessarily accompanied by strong and unified commitment from the Kurdish parties. Yet, it is inaccurate when writers extrapolate from the weakness of institutionalised (party-based) Kurdish representation to assume that Kurdish participation in general is very limited or non-existent. |
| This is not only insulting to those who have risked (sometimes sacrificed) their lives to participate, but it will also be a disservice towards to Kurds during political negotiations, now or in a post-revolutionary future. | This is not only insulting to those who have risked (sometimes sacrificed) their lives to participate, but it will also be a disservice towards to Kurds during political negotiations, now or in a post-revolutionary future. |
| 10.08am: Syria: With less than a fortnight to go before Syria's twice-postponed parliamentary elections (they were originally due to be held last May), the Ba'ath party has been announcing its candidates. | 10.08am: Syria: With less than a fortnight to go before Syria's twice-postponed parliamentary elections (they were originally due to be held last May), the Ba'ath party has been announcing its candidates. |
| Syria-watcher Joshua Landis has been looking at the list of Ba'athist contenders in Latakia (Arabic) and comments: | Syria-watcher Joshua Landis has been looking at the list of Ba'athist contenders in Latakia (Arabic) and comments: |
| They reveal that Bashar al-Assad's supposed reforms are the ruse that most thought they would be. The candidates from Latakia are sprinkled liberally with the names of well known crooks and Ba'athists of the region as well as their sons. | They reveal that Bashar al-Assad's supposed reforms are the ruse that most thought they would be. The candidates from Latakia are sprinkled liberally with the names of well known crooks and Ba'athists of the region as well as their sons. |
| There does not seem to be any potential reform going on in Latakia. The Ba'ath may have been disestablished, but its members insist that they will win the upcoming elections to parliament. | There does not seem to be any potential reform going on in Latakia. The Ba'ath may have been disestablished, but its members insist that they will win the upcoming elections to parliament. |
| The elections, scheduled for 7 May, are theoretically a multi-party contest and the Ba'ath party is no longer officially "leader of the state and society". | The elections, scheduled for 7 May, are theoretically a multi-party contest and the Ba'ath party is no longer officially "leader of the state and society". |
| Nine new parties have been licensed under a restrictive law promulgated as part of the regime's "reforms" but, as the speaker of parliament noted recently, "it is mathematically impossible for any other party to win". | Nine new parties have been licensed under a restrictive law promulgated as part of the regime's "reforms" but, as the speaker of parliament noted recently, "it is mathematically impossible for any other party to win". |
| 9.55am: Syria: That video purporting to show a man being buried alive in al-Qusair for circulating video footage (see 9.07am) is being treated with widespread scepticism online. | 9.55am: Syria: That video purporting to show a man being buried alive in al-Qusair for circulating video footage (see 9.07am) is being treated with widespread scepticism online. |
| Twitter users claim it is a deliberate fake aimed at intimidating activists. | Twitter users claim it is a deliberate fake aimed at intimidating activists. |
| Just to be aware, video of a guy from Alqsair being buried alive in #Syria is a 99% fake done by the regime yet again, like the Baba Amr one | Just to be aware, video of a guy from Alqsair being buried alive in #Syria is a 99% fake done by the regime yet again, like the Baba Amr one |
| — ♡ Freedom ✌ Syria ♡(@tweets4peace) April 26, 2012 | — ♡ Freedom ✌ Syria ♡(@tweets4peace) April 26, 2012 |
| Rime Allaf, associate fellow at Chatham House, wants more information: | Rime Allaf, associate fellow at Chatham House, wants more information: |
| Many of us are debating whether #Syria live burial clip is real. If anyone has info or pov, please share! Sent to media to get their pov too | Many of us are debating whether #Syria live burial clip is real. If anyone has info or pov, please share! Sent to media to get their pov too |
| — Rime Allaf (@rallaf) April 26, 2012 | — Rime Allaf (@rallaf) April 26, 2012 |
| Shakeeb al-Jabri, who is based in Lebanon, claims the clip is authentic. | Shakeeb al-Jabri, who is based in Lebanon, claims the clip is authentic. |
| @rallaf @Mou2amara Two sources in Qusair say they've identified him and preparing data. Still I won't publish it until it's irrefutable. | @rallaf @Mou2amara Two sources in Qusair say they've identified him and preparing data. Still I won't publish it until it's irrefutable. |
| — Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) April 26, 2012 | — Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) April 26, 2012 |
| 9.34am: Syria: Talk of a "ceasefire" is deluded, argues Rime Allaf, associate fellow at the thinktank Chatham House. In an article for Bitter Lemons she writes: | 9.34am: Syria: Talk of a "ceasefire" is deluded, argues Rime Allaf, associate fellow at the thinktank Chatham House. In an article for Bitter Lemons she writes: |
| Syrians are watching the latest half-hearted attempt to end the violence and engage the regime diplomatically. Indeed, the six-point plan devised by United Nations Special Envoy Kofi Annan begins with a ceasefire that the regime has completely ignored, shelling and killing with impunity while a handful of blue helmets parade around the country. What should have been an urgent action to protect civilians has become an ugly, violent version of the Emperor's New Clothes, with everyone pretending to be concerned about the "fragile ceasefire" that never was in the first place. | Syrians are watching the latest half-hearted attempt to end the violence and engage the regime diplomatically. Indeed, the six-point plan devised by United Nations Special Envoy Kofi Annan begins with a ceasefire that the regime has completely ignored, shelling and killing with impunity while a handful of blue helmets parade around the country. What should have been an urgent action to protect civilians has become an ugly, violent version of the Emperor's New Clothes, with everyone pretending to be concerned about the "fragile ceasefire" that never was in the first place. |
| 9.25am: Syria: More details from the International Committee of the Red Cross about the volunteer who was killed on Tuesday. In a statement issued last night it said: | 9.25am: Syria: More details from the International Committee of the Red Cross about the volunteer who was killed on Tuesday. In a statement issued last night it said: |
| On the evening of Tuesday (24 April), two incidents led to the killing of a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) volunteer, Mohammed al-Khadraa, and the wounding of three others in the city of Douma, 13km northwest of Damascus. | On the evening of Tuesday (24 April), two incidents led to the killing of a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) volunteer, Mohammed al-Khadraa, and the wounding of three others in the city of Douma, 13km northwest of Damascus. |
| In both cases, the SARC ambulances were shot at while heading to the SARC's local branch office in Douma. Throughout the night, the lives of some 30 volunteers were at risk. There were no wounded in the ambulances at the time of the attack, only volunteers. | In both cases, the SARC ambulances were shot at while heading to the SARC's local branch office in Douma. Throughout the night, the lives of some 30 volunteers were at risk. There were no wounded in the ambulances at the time of the attack, only volunteers. |
| We can't say if the SARC vehicles were deliberately targeted. However, the volunteers and the vehicles that came under fire were clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem. We don't know who is responsible for these attacks. The ICRC and the SARC will further look into the matter and address those responsible in a bilateral and confidential manner. | We can't say if the SARC vehicles were deliberately targeted. However, the volunteers and the vehicles that came under fire were clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem. We don't know who is responsible for these attacks. The ICRC and the SARC will further look into the matter and address those responsible in a bilateral and confidential manner. |
| This morning [Wednesday], the ICRC urgently contacted the ministry of foreign affairs and requested a temporary local truce to be able to evacuate all wounded persons, including the three injured SARC volunteers, to safer areas where they can be treated. The ICRC also wanted to be able to evacuate the other volunteers who had taken shelter at the Douma office last night and to deliver medical assistance sufficient to treat some 100 injured. | This morning [Wednesday], the ICRC urgently contacted the ministry of foreign affairs and requested a temporary local truce to be able to evacuate all wounded persons, including the three injured SARC volunteers, to safer areas where they can be treated. The ICRC also wanted to be able to evacuate the other volunteers who had taken shelter at the Douma office last night and to deliver medical assistance sufficient to treat some 100 injured. |
| The ministry responded to this request, and the ICRC made sure that all concerned parties agreed on a ceasefire, applicable today and tomorrow [Wednesday and Thursday]. | The ministry responded to this request, and the ICRC made sure that all concerned parties agreed on a ceasefire, applicable today and tomorrow [Wednesday and Thursday]. |
| This afternoon, the SARC volunteers left Douma and are now all safe in Damascus. Tomorrow, the ICRC plans to deliver medical assistance to the Douma area. | This afternoon, the SARC volunteers left Douma and are now all safe in Damascus. Tomorrow, the ICRC plans to deliver medical assistance to the Douma area. |
| 9.18am: Syria: The UN has published a copy of an agreement between the Syrian government and the UN over the ground rules for the mission to monitor the incomplete ceasefire. | 9.18am: Syria: The UN has published a copy of an agreement between the Syrian government and the UN over the ground rules for the mission to monitor the incomplete ceasefire. |
| It starts by affirming Syria's "sovereignty and territorial integrity", but it goes on to spell out the freedom of movement the observers should be allowed. | It starts by affirming Syria's "sovereignty and territorial integrity", but it goes on to spell out the freedom of movement the observers should be allowed. |
| Here's a section: | Here's a section: |
| (a) Freedom of movement/action to conduct their tasks in support of the mandate | (a) Freedom of movement/action to conduct their tasks in support of the mandate |
| (b) Freedom to conduct any type of mandated operation at any time, by foot or by car | (b) Freedom to conduct any type of mandated operation at any time, by foot or by car |
| (c) Freedom to transport and conduct the medical evacuation of United Nations personnel | (c) Freedom to transport and conduct the medical evacuation of United Nations personnel |
| (d) Freedom to take pictures of military units and military equipment for the purpose of investigating violations | (d) Freedom to take pictures of military units and military equipment for the purpose of investigating violations |
| (e) Freedom to park and/or stay in the vicinity of military positions of the Syrian Government and places of the armed opposition in accordance with the mandate | (e) Freedom to park and/or stay in the vicinity of military positions of the Syrian Government and places of the armed opposition in accordance with the mandate |
| (f) Freedom to use technical equipment to monitor the compliance with the ceasefire, the six-point plan, the preliminary understanding and any subsequent agreements (Global Positioning System (GPS), communications, photography) | (f) Freedom to use technical equipment to monitor the compliance with the ceasefire, the six-point plan, the preliminary understanding and any subsequent agreements (Global Positioning System (GPS), communications, photography) |
| (g) Freedom to install temporary observation posts inside population centres | (g) Freedom to install temporary observation posts inside population centres |
| (h) Freedom to monitor convoys of military vehicles approaching population centres | (h) Freedom to monitor convoys of military vehicles approaching population centres |
| (i) Freedom to access detention centres and medical centres in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in the context of the implementation of mandated tasks | (i) Freedom to access detention centres and medical centres in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in the context of the implementation of mandated tasks |
| (j) Freedom to investigate any potential violation | (j) Freedom to investigate any potential violation |
| 9.07am: Syria: Very disturbing video has emerged purporting to show Syrian troops burying alive a man for sending videos to the international media. | 9.07am: Syria: Very disturbing video has emerged purporting to show Syrian troops burying alive a man for sending videos to the international media. |
| The footage [warning: distressing content] cannot be independently verified. | The footage [warning: distressing content] cannot be independently verified. |
| 8.40am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Two weeks after the start of an incomplete ceasefire in Syria scores of people have been killed in a rocket attack in Hama, according to activists. | 8.40am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Two weeks after the start of an incomplete ceasefire in Syria scores of people have been killed in a rocket attack in Hama, according to activists. |
| Here's a roundup of the latest developments. | Here's a roundup of the latest developments. |
| Syria | Syria |
| • Up to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a house in Hama, the BBC reports citing activists. Video footage showed spontaneous protests at the scene as bodies were pulled from the rubble. Warning: the following clip contains disturbing images. | • Up to 70 people have been killed in an attack on a house in Hama, the BBC reports citing activists. Video footage showed spontaneous protests at the scene as bodies were pulled from the rubble. Warning: the following clip contains disturbing images. |
| Activists said several houses in the Mashaa at-Tayyar district in southern Hama were destroyed by a big explosion. State media said 16 people died in the blast in a house used as a bomb factory by "armed terrorist groups". | Activists said several houses in the Mashaa at-Tayyar district in southern Hama were destroyed by a big explosion. State media said 16 people died in the blast in a house used as a bomb factory by "armed terrorist groups". |
| • France has threatened to demand international intervention if Bashar al-Assad's forces fail to halt the violence by early May, the Independent reports. Alain Juppé, the French foreign minister, said he would push for a Chapter 7 resolution – which allows for military action to "restore international peace and security" – if Damascus does not comply with the ceasefire. He described 5 May, when the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is due to present a report to the security council on Syria's compliance with his plan, as the "moment of truth". | • France has threatened to demand international intervention if Bashar al-Assad's forces fail to halt the violence by early May, the Independent reports. Alain Juppé, the French foreign minister, said he would push for a Chapter 7 resolution – which allows for military action to "restore international peace and security" – if Damascus does not comply with the ceasefire. He described 5 May, when the UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is due to present a report to the security council on Syria's compliance with his plan, as the "moment of truth". |
| Like Juppé the US state department also called for a more rapid deployment of all 300 UN monitors. Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland confirmed that the US was considering "increased pressure" in case Annan's plan failed. | Like Juppé the US state department also called for a more rapid deployment of all 300 UN monitors. Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland confirmed that the US was considering "increased pressure" in case Annan's plan failed. |
| • The UN estimates that Annan will have a budget of almost $8m for his role as international envoy to Syria, according to UN Report.. Annan will have a staff of 18 people and travel alone will cost more than $1.5m over the next 10 months, a UN document reveals. | • The UN estimates that Annan will have a budget of almost $8m for his role as international envoy to Syria, according to UN Report.. Annan will have a staff of 18 people and travel alone will cost more than $1.5m over the next 10 months, a UN document reveals. |
| • Salameh Kaileh, a Palestinian-Syrian intellectual and activist who has criticised both the government and the external and internal opposition, has been arrested and taken from his home "without explanation," according to Jadaliyya. Launching a campaign to get him freed, the magazine said: | • Salameh Kaileh, a Palestinian-Syrian intellectual and activist who has criticised both the government and the external and internal opposition, has been arrested and taken from his home "without explanation," according to Jadaliyya. Launching a campaign to get him freed, the magazine said: |
| It is because Salameh is an independent voice and is an active presence for the future of Syria that the Assad regime decided to muzzle him in custody. That is the only explanation. | It is because Salameh is an independent voice and is an active presence for the future of Syria that the Assad regime decided to muzzle him in custody. That is the only explanation. |
| • Potential Republican vice presidential candidate Marco Rubio said the US should create a "safe haven" for the Syrian opposition but stopped short of urging Washington to arm the rebels, suggesting they were not yet organised enough. | • Potential Republican vice presidential candidate Marco Rubio said the US should create a "safe haven" for the Syrian opposition but stopped short of urging Washington to arm the rebels, suggesting they were not yet organised enough. |
| Speaking at the Brookings Institution thinktank, Rubio urged a more muscular US response on Syria, saying others see it as a test of US leadership and will conclude Washington "is no longer a reliable security partner" if it does not step up | Speaking at the Brookings Institution thinktank, Rubio urged a more muscular US response on Syria, saying others see it as a test of US leadership and will conclude Washington "is no longer a reliable security partner" if it does not step up |
| Egypt | Egypt |
| • Egypt's election commission has reinstated former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential race, a day after he was disqualified. The Islamist-dominated parliament passed a law barring former senior officials of Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for office, but the commission referred the law to the constitutional court on Wednesday and then reinstated Shafiq. | • Egypt's election commission has reinstated former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq in the presidential race, a day after he was disqualified. The Islamist-dominated parliament passed a law barring former senior officials of Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for office, but the commission referred the law to the constitutional court on Wednesday and then reinstated Shafiq. |
| Bahrain | Bahrain |
| • Hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is in "good health" and receiving medical care, Bahraini officials insisted after claims by his family that he had disappeared from a military hospital, al-Jazeera reports. The statement by Bahrain's interior ministry came after social media postings raised alarms about the fate of Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike since 8 February. | • Hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is in "good health" and receiving medical care, Bahraini officials insisted after claims by his family that he had disappeared from a military hospital, al-Jazeera reports. The statement by Bahrain's interior ministry came after social media postings raised alarms about the fate of Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike since 8 February. |
| • Police have raided more homes and made several more arrests in the continuing crackdown against protesters, opposition activists claimed. The opposition party, al-Wefaq, posted a photograph purporting to show one of the homes raided: | • Police have raided more homes and made several more arrests in the continuing crackdown against protesters, opposition activists claimed. The opposition party, al-Wefaq, posted a photograph purporting to show one of the homes raided: |
| Regime Mercenaries attack and break into houses late at night in Dimistan village. Is this law and order?! #Bahrain twitter.com/AlWefaqEN/stat… | Regime Mercenaries attack and break into houses late at night in Dimistan village. Is this law and order?! #Bahrain twitter.com/AlWefaqEN/stat… |
| — AlwefaqEN (@AlWefaqEN) April 26, 2012 | — AlwefaqEN (@AlWefaqEN) April 26, 2012 |