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Who’s really benefiting from Sinai’s state of emergency?

Terrorists are turning the tables and making the most of curfews and restrictions in North Sinai.
An Egyptian soldier inspects vehicles at a check point in northern Sinai, May 25, 2015. Authorities in the Sinai Peninsula are battling insurgents who support Islamic State, the militant group that has seized parts of Iraq, Syria and Libya. The Sinai conflict, which has has displaced hundreds of Egyptians, is the biggest security challenge for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has promised to deliver stability after four years of turmoil triggered by the 2011 uprising. Picture taken May 25, 2015. REUTERS/
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Critics say the continued state of emergency in the Sinai Peninsula, designed to protect citizens from terrorist attacks, has turned into a threat to their lives, as terrorists are taking advantage of the situation.

Moreover, security forces’ misuse of the state of emergency and related curfews has increased people’s hostility against the police and army. Citizens say people are being detained without written arrest warrants.

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