THE LEGALITY OF THE EGYPTIAN PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY CALLED INTO QUESTION
As predicted by The Inkerman Group on 20 February 2012, an Egyptian court has ruled that the voting system that elected the new parliament was unconstitutional, adding further uncertainty as Egypt tries to establish a post-revolution governing system. The High Administrative Court said the elaborate system that apportioned seats among individuals and political parties violated the constitution and has referred parts of the election law to the Supreme Constitutional Court for a final judgment. It was not immediately clear if the ruling could eventually lead to courts overturning the results of the elections, but there is speculation the ruling could hold up the functioning of parliament, which is supposed to name a council to draw up a new constitution.
EXPLOSIONS AND GUNFIRE REPORTED IN NIGERIAN CITY OF KANO
Six loud explosions, followed by gunfire which continued for about two hours, were reported in the northern city Kano early on 22 February 2012. The blasts occurred shortly before Muslim dawn prayers and during curfew hours. The Tinshama district has now been cordoned off by the military. Police have not yet commented on the incident, but residents suggest that security forces had earlier raided a suspected Boko Haram hideout in the area. Last month Boko Haram staged coordinated attacks in Kano, in which at least 185 people were killed.
GREECE PREPARING FOR FURTHER PROTESTS OVER CUTS
Large-scale protests are scheduled to be held in Greece on 22 February 2012 after trade unions called rallies to protest austerity measures after a 130bn-euro bailout deal aimed at avoiding bankruptcy. There are fears of further violence after Greece recently witnessed the worst rioting in years and a hardening public mood over the budget cuts. Public and private sector unions are to hold a demonstration outside the parliament building in Athens from 1600hrs (local time) on 22 February 2012.
FIVE TAXI DRIVERS SHOT DEAD IN MONTERREY
Five taxi drivers were killed by gunmen armed with assault rifles in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey on 21 February 2012. Several gunmen travelling in a SUV opened fire on a taxi-rank at a busy shopping centre, located on Luis Donaldo Colosio Avenue in Monterrey’s northern Solidariad neighbourhood. The gunmen fled the area, which was later cordoned off by security forces. The reason for the attack is not immediately known, though there has been speculation the taxi drivers were targeted by criminal gangs, who extort money from local businesses. Monterrey and its suburbs have been battered by a wave of drug-related violence that has left about 2,500 people dead since March 2010.
UGANDAN POLICE DISPERSE KAMPALA RALLY
Police fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse a protest in Kampala on 21 February 2012. The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party organised the rally to call for further protests against President Yoweri Museveni's government. An FDC spokesperson said veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye was slightly injured by a tear gas canister. Several protesters were also injured in the incident; though police have denied opposition claims that they fired live ammunition.
SIX CONSTRUCTION WORKERS KIDNAPPED IN JHARKHAND, EASTERN INDIA REPORTEDLY RELEASED ON 21 FEBRUARY 2012
For further information as reported in the Kidnap and Ransom Daily Bulletin: 22 February 2012 produced by The Inkerman Group, contact marketing@inkerman.com for a free trial of the bulletin.
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