Egypt’s first post-Mubarak parliament holds opening session

Several independent MPs and others representing the liberal groups that engineered the anti-Mubarak uprising wore yellow scarves saying, “No to military trials for civilians,” a reference to the hauling of at least 12,000 civilians before military tribunals since the generals took over power 11 months ago.

El-Saqqah began the proceedings by ordering MPs to stand in silence for a minute in memory of the hundreds of protesters killed during the protests.

Mubarak, 83, is on trial for complicity in the killing of the protesters. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

What was supposed to be a quiet procedural session turned briefly chaotic when some MP improvised additions to the text of the oath they were taking in turn, provoking angry protests from the speaker.

The oath ends with a pledge to respect the constitution and law, but an Islamist MP added “God’s law.” Two pro-reform MPs pledged to “continue the revolution” and “be loyal to its martyrs.”

Security was tight in the area around the parliament building, scene of recent deadly clashes between troops and protesters demanding that the generals immediately step down. The building is also a short distance away from Tahrir Square, birthplace of the uprising that topped Mubarak’s 29-year regime.

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