The current situation results largely from the failure of the previous military government and its elected successor, headed by President Mohammed Morsi, to respond to the pressing demands of Egyptians for reform of the security sector, serious steps to prevent economic decline, and genuine dialogue and compromise with the opposition. In the past year, Egypt has witnessed a level of repression, particularly crackdowns on freedom of expression, which rivals that of the Mubarak era. In the 35 cases involving the death of protesters at the hands of security forces, only two officers are serving sentences. Numerous Egyptian journalists face charges based on accusations of “insulting the president.” And the legal case against civil society organizations, including Freedom House, continues with no resolution in sight.
Despite heightened tensions and clashes over the controversial constitution-drafting process and hasty referendum that approved it, the Egyptian government seems to be repeating the same mistakes as it prepares for new parliamentary elections. Representatives of numerous political forces and the three major churches in Egypt have withdrawn from the national dialogue to protest what they consider an unfair process of drafting the electoral laws that will govern the next round of elections.
Crackdowns on freedom of expression, the absence of a credible transitional justice program, and alienation of the opposition will only perpetuate instability and violence and ultimately threaten Egypt’s hoped-for transition to democracy. Freedom House calls on President Morsi and his government to respond to Egyptians’ legitimate demands and initiate a genuine process of reconciliation, dialogue and compromise with all of Egypt’s political forces.
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http://www.freedomhouse.org/article/two-years-egyptian-revolution-remains-incomplete