EGYPT: Security crackdown as universities prepare to re-open

Record ID: 644574

  • Title: EGYPT: Security crackdown as universities prepare to re-open
  • Date: 19th October 1981
  • Summary: CAIRO, EGYPT (VISNEWS - RACHAD ELKOUSSY) GV EXTERIOR Cairo University main building SV University security police checking cars of students at entrance gates (4 shots) 1.30 SPEECH (TRANSCRIPT) SADAT (SEQ 5): "A lesson for us to wake up and tread these people down and contain them, by any means. Either we brain-wash them or just hold them in custody because they themselves are brain-washed
  • Embargoed: 3rd November 1981 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Egypt, Egypt
  • Country: Egypt
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA9K0GAM1BX66D3EBYRNVTISEY0
  • Story Text: INTRODUCTION: Security forces throughout Egypt have started a crack-down on suspected Moslem fundamentalists. Since the assassination of President Sadat, 200 members of the official left-wing opposition and more than 1,000 religious extremist have been detained. With all but three of the country's universities re-opening this week after the summer recess, security measures are now likely to become even tougher.
    SYNOPSIS: Last month (September) most of the top fundamentalist leadership was arrested by the Egyptian security forces. Now, hundreds of other religious leaders are being detained and questioned.
    The chief problem for the new government in Cairo now is how to quell to growing tide of support for Islamic militancy, particularly among the country's half million university students...a problem well known to Gamal Sadat the son of the late President.
    Already, all political activity has been stopped at the Cairo universities and a ban placed on the wearing of traditional Moslem dress. All cars entering the university gates are being closely searched and more than 60 academics, suspected of having fundamentalist sympathies, have been dismissed. Observers on the campus have noted an almost total absence of beards -- an indication that the militants, at least for the moment, have been driven underground.
    InitialsBB NOTE TO EDITORS: THIS STORY CONTAINS A COMMENTARY BY NBC'S ART KENT WHICH MAY BE USED IF PREFERRED.
    Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
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