UN Human Rights Chief has defined the response of Egyptian military/security forces to protesters as “brutal suppression.” The protests have come after and before Parliamentary elections that witnessed high turnouts from the electorate and scheduled by the same military as presumably part of its road to civilian rule. However, the protesters are totally doubtful that the elite associated with the Egyptian military will turn over true power. Protesters believe that their revolution that toppled former President Mubarek is being stolen – perhaps it was not a revolution at all but more a rebellion – the elite ejecting Mubarek and family in order to maintain most of the economic and political authority. A Nation Divided Seeking Change & Stability Many people in Egypt though are also seeking stability – for the tourists and economy to start returning so that they can feed families. The military undoubtedly wants to maintain a privileged status, but it is also perceived by many as the institution to secure internal stability and deter sectarian violence. Egypt’s western friends see the military also as guarantor of the peace with Israel. The electoral victory of two Islamist founded parties, one more “moderate” than the other has only heightened anxiety within and outside the country as to where voting will lead Egypt. Read: -“New Egypt is Old Egypt?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/new-egypt-is-old-egypt-by-ambassador-mo/41931 Inhuman Acts that Cannot Possibly be Justified”: However, regardless of fears of an unbridled democratic future, the behavior of the military risks undermining any confidence in the future for a more free, just and economically progressive Egypt. According to Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: “The graphic images of protesters, including women, being brutally clubbed and assaulted, long after the point when they are showing any resistance, are utterly shocking. People lying motionless on the ground are shown on film being smashed on the head and body with sticks. These are life-threatening and inhuman acts that cannot possibly be justified under the guise of restoration of security or crowd control." Severe Beating & Stripping of Woman Protestor: The beating of a woman in full black body veil and then being partially stripped while she lay motionless, has shocked the country and region. (Top 2 Photos). According to Ms. Pilay: “Some of those who were filmed this weekend, including those viciously clubbing and kicking an apparently unconscious half-naked woman, should be easy to identify. Consequently, there must be arrests and prosecutions, It seems that Egyptian security forces, and their political and military commanders, have learned nothing over the past year, including the fact that actions like these simply fuel further anger and protests and make a resolution of Egypt’s political, social and economic problems more difficult to achieve.” The latest round of violence just this past weekend in Cairo has left at least 11 people dead and more than 500 others injured over the weekend. Ms. Pillay recalled that less than a month ago she deplored the use of excessive force, including live ammunition, by security and military forces against peaceful protesters, which by 23 November had reportedly resulted in the death of some 30 demonstrators. Read – “UN Concern/Egypt Freedom & Human Rights” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-concern-egypt-freedom-human-rights-by-ambassador-mo/41703 Impartial Investigation or Potential Prosecution of Egypt’s Military Leadership: Ms. Pillay reiterated her call for an impartial investigation into all incidents of abuse and violence, including killings, torture and the use of excessive force by security and military forces. She called for end to the violence, stressing that those responsible must face justice. Pillay also called for the immediate release of all detained protesters and for an end to the media campaign aimed at discrediting peaceful demonstrators. Ms. Pillay also urged protesters to preserve the peaceful nature of their demonstrations. “The ruthless violence being used against unarmed women protesters is especially shocking and cannot be left unpunished. There have also been extremely disturbing reports of the ill-treatment of women in detention. These must be immediately investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.” (Bottom Photo) According to the Statement from her office, Ms. Pillay urged Egypt’s senior military and political leaders to act on the violence or risk future prosecution for complicity in serious crimes.“The Egyptian authorities have to show a real commitment to human rights, including through the full eradication of ill-treatment, a comprehensive reform of the security sector, lifting of the state of emergency, and the respect of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association.” While it may be difficult to recognize the true course of events and decipher current tides in Egyptian society, it may be worthwhile to recall that many revolutions occur in stages and may take some time to cement into institutions and national ethos. The American and French are but two examples with different degrees of violence and success. Technology and time though provide a new ingredient that both cannot be a source of information and greater demands for freedom. (See Film Report – “Egypt’s Revolution” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/egypts-revolution/28483). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice