BREAKING NEWS

Islamist vigilantes step up threats in Sinai

By REUTERS

DECEMBER 26, 2012 19:07

CAIRO - An Islamist group in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula threatened to launch a crusade against drug use and cigarette smoking in the lawless desert region on Wednesday, prompting fears about the growing influence of radical groups in post-revolutionary Egypt.

The country's new constitution, adopted this week, states that the principles of sharia, Islamic law, are the main source of legislation. Rights groups say the document contains vague language, such as references to "national" morals, which they believe hardliners can take advantage of to impose religious restrictions on people.

The Sinai vigilante group, which calls itself "Group for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice," issued its warning in a leaflet distributed around North Sinai, saying its punishment of those who did not comply would be "very harsh."

"This statement is the first warning, and there will be no second. It is directed at those trading in drugs, specifically cigarettes," it said. "Those traders are destroying the families of Sinai, and flouting God's laws."

Local security sources said little was known about the group and that it had never issued such statements in the past.

Islamist president Mohamed Morsi launched a concerted effort to reestablish control of Sinai following an August 5 attack in which 16 border guards were killed. But a November 3 gun attack in which three policemen died underlined the challenge still facing the authorities.

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