SUMMARY

When Mohamed Morsi assumed office as President on 30 June 2012, after winning Egypt’s first competitive presidential election, many hoped that the turbulent period since the ouster of ex-President Hosni Mubarak was over. One year later, in June 2013, many people were discontent with Morsi’s failure to improve the country’s economy as well as his attempts to increase his own power. Fuel shortages coupled with rising food-prices as well as steeply increased crime levels due to a shortage of police officers, resulted in many arguing that the country was worse off than before Morsi assumed office.

In November 2012, Morsi put forward a declaration which gave him immunity from judicial oversight. This was met with wide-spread protests and he was eventually forced to retract the declaration. The following month, a new constitution, drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly was approved by the public through a referendum. The new constitution emphasised the role of Islam and restricted freedom of speech and assembly. While it was approved by a majority of the voters, it was nonetheless widely criticised by many, including secular opposition leaders, Copts and women’s groups.

The situation in Egypt grew increasingly tense during the spring and early summer of 2013. In June hundreds of thousands of Egyptians protested against the sitting president.

Opponents of Mohamed Morsi has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.