At least 19 protesters were arrested yesterday, followed by another 10 today.

This crime is an obvious indication of the extent to which the security bodies' brutality has reached in dealing with freedom of expression in Egypt. It is a remarkable episode in the ongoing series of violations committed against Egyptian citizens and activists. Such series has been prolonged enough to reach the judges as well.

Fifteen were arrested, and most were beaten. We have requested that they be given access to doctors.

This means the fight will intensify between judges and pro-democracy groups on one side, and the government and interior ministry on the other.

The departure of Mr Sharon would be carried most heavily on the shoulders of the Palestinians. The Palestinians had big expectations.

The international community should interfere here. Not only to put pressure on the Palestinian Authority, but also to pressure the Israelis to stop this kind of phenomenon.