Egypt tightens security in wake of papal visit - Will it be enough?

Will Egypt's increased security be enough to protect Pope Francis?

Egypt's Minister of Interior, Magdy Abdel Ghaffar, met several aides and security directors Saturday to discuss security changes and militancy.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Daily News Egypt, the meeting covered topics such as how to counter all forms of crime, eliminate criminal dens and arresting fugitives while ensuring human rights.

Despite last week's checkpoint attack, Ghaffar believes more checkpoints and mobile security groups should be deployed on main roads and around all state institutions to ensure greater security in the country.

While the Egyptian parliament struggles to keep their nation secure, they are also fighting back against their critics.

Ghaffar's meeting included ways to ensure human rights, but the government has arrested and charged two people who posted critiques of the government, the first being human rights lawyer Mohamed Abdel Baset, who was given ten years in prison for inciting violence and calling for the fall of the regime.

The second person arrested was Al-Dostour party member Nael Hassa, who continues to be interrogated by the country's version of Homeland Security. He stands accused of humiliating the president and attempting to topple the regime.

Concerns for human rights was brought to a head when the German parliament received a proposed security agreement with the Egyptian Interior Ministry, which Human Rights Watch reported to lack human rights protections.

The group claims the proposal, which is scheduled for a vote on April 28, would include security agency known for committed torture, enforcing disappearances and could     include extrajudicial killings.

Wenzel Michalski, Germany director at Human Rights Watch, stated: "If the German government wants to help protect German and Egyptian citizens from terrorism while respecting human rights, this is a terrible way of going about it.

"The German government should be getting cast-iron guarantees that Egypt is calling a halt to its abuses, not rushing to put its agents next to Egyptian forces on the front line of repression."

In the midst of this upheaval, Pope Francis' visit has not been canceled.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke explained Pope Francis requested the use of a "normal car," instead of an armored vehicle, to get from one venue to another.

Burke said "It will not be an open-topped vehicle" and said the pontiff will be using a "golf cart" in place of the open-air popemobile at the air defense stadium and when he circles the seminarians, religious and clergy at the Coptic Catholic Church's St. Leo's Patriarchal Seminary.

Hopefully, Egypt will not be too caught up in politics to keep our beloved Pope safe. Burke believes the pontiff will be fine, but we ask for prayers of safety for His Holiness regardless.

Please pray for safe travels, a safe visit and a safe return home.

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