Thanks for the Kabissa Fahamu messages. I am spreading it around the university. Are you aware of the Saad Eddin Ibrahim trial in Egypt? You can get information from this address (democracy_egypt@mail.com).

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today that the sentencing of human rights defender Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim to seven years' imprisonment is "alarming". The Supreme State Security Court sentenced Saad Eddin Ibrahim, Director of the Ibn Khaldoun Center for Development Studies in Cairo, and 27 co-defendants to between one and seven year prison terms. Charges included accepting foreign funds without authorization, disseminating false information harmful to Egypt's interest and embezzlement.

Landmines Struggle Center monitored the deaths of 5 persons and the injury of 7 in 6 mine/UXOs incidents in Egypt during last year. The number of casualties has decreased compared to 1999, which witnessed 37 victims (14 killed/23 injured) and 1998 that witnessed 33 victims (13 killed/20 injured).

The course will be led by Sharryn Aiken, Legal Specialist, Refugee Studies Centre, York University, Toronto. Dates: 16-19 July 2001, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 21 July, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Venue: AUC Main Campus, Hill House, 6th floor lounge. Entrance at Mohammed Mahmoud Gate. Deadline for applications: 31 May 2001.

Officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said they considered the privatization of the Egyptian state-owned banks not important as the country's banking system depends largely on these banks' power and competition, on the contrary the privatization may yield adverse outcomes if the government gives up these significant tool in controlling the monetary policy.

Egypt's legal, political and social climate encourages the use of torture during detention and leaves victims without adequate means of redress, an Egyptian human rights group said on Monday.