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EGYPT’S DEPOSED ISLAMIST president Mohamed Morsi has been brought to a courthouse to face trial over protester deaths, raising fears of renewed violence four months after he was toppled by the army.
Morsi’s supporters, battered by a bloody and sweeping police crackdown, accuse the army-installed government of fabricating the charges against him and have called for protests against the military.
Morsi was flown in by helicopter to the police academy in the Egyptian capital where the trial is being convened, and 14 co-defendants were also present, said Cairo security chief Osama al-Soghayar.
“His helicopter landed… The others were driven to the court during curfew hours,” another security official said.
Morsi, who the army has held at a secret location since his 3 July ousting, is accused along with the other 14 of inciting the murder of protesters outside the presidential palace in December 2012.
The charges against Morsi could lead to the death penalty or life in prison.
Alert
Egypt is on high alert for the trial, with 20,000 policemen to be deployed and authorities saying they are ready to deal with any outbreak of violence.
With more than 1,000 people killed since Morsi’s overthrow and thousands of Islamists arrested, hopes for a political settlement between the Islamists and interim government are slim.
“Morsi’s presence in the court will definitely energise his supporters and raise possibilities of new protests and clashes,” said Shadi Hamid, an analyst at the Brookings Doha Center.
The trial will be seen as a test for Egypt’s new authorities, who have come under fire from rights groups for their heavy-handed approach in dealing with dissent.
“They should present Mohamed Morsi in court and grant him a fair trial, including the right to challenge the evidence against him in court,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui of human rights watchdog Amnesty International.
“Failing to do so would further call into question the motives behind his trial.”
A riot policeman stands guard behind barbed wire outside the police academy compound [Image: Manu Brabo/AP/Press Association Images]
Analysts believe the political nature of the trial will drive its outcome.
“This is first and foremost a political trial and an important one. There is zero chance of it being free and fair,” said Hamid.
“The trial is a clear reminder of a polarised Egyptian society at this moment of time.”
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Is Tubridy going to interview Lydon? I’d watch the Late Late just to see that.
I predict Ukraine will win again : )
What an absolute waste of money.
It is hard to know or judge the atmosphere that will exist when the votes are counted. Each song has it’s own good features but I do not think any will be a Eurovision winner. Something young and upbeat might be what is needed, but you also have to consider the viewing and voting public, and I dislike the current vote counting format anyway. Good luck to all anyway and best wishes to whoever gets to go to Liverpool.
After listening to these… relieved to know we won’t have to host it in ’23…all so bad…. with all the musical talent we have in Ireland… hard to believe that we can’t come up with anything half decent
Send back in Dustin the Turkey for the craic
Jaysus we haven’t a hope. Wild Youth and Leila Jane the best of a bad bunch. Adgy if they want to go for that complete Europop sound that somehow wins these days. We’ve a better chance of winning the soccer world cup.
Although they’re not Eurovision type songs, the two by Connolly and Leila Jane are my favourites in that order. Both should have bright futures in the industry, whatever happens.
We’ll be lucky to qualify with any of those. Poor, poor again. Who actually decides the six? Old fogies who haven’t a clue by the looks of it. Unfortunately, you need to have something that’s never been done before that makes people sit up and take notice, something completely woke or something that pulls at the heart strings to get anywhere in this competition. I was all for Mr. Lydon before I heard the song. 3 of the six might have an outside chance but there’s nothing new in there. Remember, the last time we qualified it was 2 guys having a snog on stage, that’s what got us through, not the song. Have we not learned anything?
Think We are one is the best there. It covers everything needed for Eurovison in my opinion. But sure they might do a Fr Ted here and go for the god awfull Too Good for your love song.
Surely this is not the best Ireland has to offer. Whatever happens to singers who know how to project their voices and sing intelligible lyrics.
Leila Jane and Connolly 2 descent songs.
@John Kenny: oh they’ll descend alright…
@UK Hurling Bloke: decent!
Getting old !
CONNOLLY would be my pics if she can sing it live. Wild Youth surely big favourites given big fan base
@Gareth Miskelly: Connolly song sounds very like Lana Del Rey to me, but I like it.
Leila Jane the best of a so-so bunch. Adgys song is catchy but wouldn’t stand out among the 25+ songs in a semi.
Need to think outside the box and go completely leftfield but not Dustin proportions!
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Sam Ryder set the bar extremely high last year. None of these entries are melodic enough and there’s too much use of repetition and unimaginative harmonies.
Going by people’s opinions in the comments of what songs should get through, I can see exactly why we don’t even qualify most years
It’s not about the song it’s about the image and how it’s perceived publicly
Wild Youth I think best song
Hawaii , just a fantastic song
I’m voting for Hawaii! It’s so lovely and caring m! Who knew the awkward b has such deep felt feelings! Well I did actually. Do it for Ireland John!
I’m voting for Hawaii! It’s so lovely and caring m! Who knew the awkward bollox has such deep felt feelings! Well I did actually. Do it for Ireland John!
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