Is Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Illegal?

Wouldn't that be inconvenient?

Egypt's Al-Masry Al-Youm reports Court to rule on dissolution of Brotherhood:

The Cairo Administrative Court, headed by Judge Farid Tanagho, said Tuesday it would rule on the possible dissolution of the Muslim Brotherhood on 26 March.

The court is considering a controversial case that accuses the group of operating illegally.

The Brotherhood's legal status is in question since it is not officially registered and was banned by the previous administration.


The plaintiffs claim that although the group has been politically and socially active for 60 years, it has not sought official recognition based on an 2002 law that regulates the work of civil society organizations.

They also argue that the activities of its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, are therefore also illegal.

During the Tuesday session, lawyers from both sides battled verbally, with the Brotherhood eventually requesting time to study court documentation and submit further evidence to support its case.

As if the Muslim Brotherhood doesn't have enough problems, what with the Egyptian people refusing to roll over and allow an Islamist government to not only take power, but attempt to take even more power. Not only are Egyptians protesting in the streets -- apparently now they are taking the fight to the Muslim Brotherhood in the courts as well.

Not that it is likely that the Muslim Brotherhood will be found to be illegal, but it is still something of a black eye for the group to have their very legitimacy questioned.

The Egyptian courts are almost as busy as the streets of Cairo when it comes to generating unrest.

Haaretz reports that In Egypt, the courts take on the president, where a ruling came regarding deadly riots during a soccer match a year ago:

Since that violent day in February 2012 when 74 people were killed, Egyptians have been waiting for the sentencing of those arrested and especially for "justice" to be handed down to police officers who, Al-Ahly fans say encouraged the Port Said crowd to slaughter the visitors.

But the ruling Saturday only inflamed passions. Al-Ahly fans and residents of Cairo are furious at the acquittal of 28 of the defendants and the prison sentences handed down to senior police officers, which they say are too light.

Meanwhile, Egypt Elections Suspended by Court Ruling, Delaying Muslim Brotherhood Domination:

Egypt’s political transition has been sidetracked once again by a ruling from the country's labyrinthine court system. At issue are elections for the lower house of parliament slated to begin next month.

As usual, the details are a bit technical, but the decision could derail — or, at least, delay — an expected landslide victory by the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist parties in the People's Assembly.

Yup, it's just like Hillary said:

Egypt's new government is assuming the responsibility and leadership that has long made this country a cornerstone for regional stability and peace.

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