Critics are blasting Egypt's latest extension of a state of emergency in the north Sinai Peninsula, saying it violates the constitution and parliament's powers. The original three-month order was issued in October 2014 and has been extended many times, amid much indignation and repudiation by Sinai residents, whose businesses are affected by the restrictions on movement and the curfew.
The Egyptian government said mounting violence perpetrated by terrorist groups against military and police targets forced President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to extend the state of emergency yet again to preserve security, tighten the grip on these groups and counter their continuing attacks. The government said that the army and police, in turn, are taking measures to face terrorists, prosecute their money suppliers and safeguard innocent lives as well as public and private property.
