Archaeologists in Egypt have opened a mummy coffin sealed 2,500 years ago in front of a live audience. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what they found.

Gravitas: Egypt unveils 59 ancient coffins

Egypt has launched its first touristic restaurant at the Giza Pyramids plateau. Watch report.

Your Story: Fine dining next to the pyramids of Giza: Restaurant on pyramid plateau

Vintage phone collector Hassan al-Tourky may be one of the few people in the modern age of microchips and video calls, not walking around with a mobile phone in his pocket. In the busy Attaba market in downtown Cairo, al-Tourky's collection includes a 1933 piece used by Egypt's late King Farouq with his image on it, and others once owned by Charlie Chaplin, Thomas Hudson and Egyptian and foreign celebrities.

No mobile phones allowed: Meet Egypt's vintage phone collector and avid user

Another stunning discovery has been made in the land of pharaohs. When Egypt is desperately looking to boost its tourism industry, mummies that are said to be almost 2,600 years old have been found.&nbsp;

A cache of 59 coffins that are estimated to be 2,600 years old was discovered from a sealed well in the vast Saqqara necropolis, south of Cairo.&nbsp;

Watch |

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Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-announces-discovery-of-27-coffins-buried-2500-years-ago-329084">Egypt announces discovery of 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago</a>

There are mummies of priests and clerks inside these coffins from Egypt's 26th ruling dynasty.&nbsp;

"I'm very proud that this discovery of today with 59 wooden coffins in perfect condition of preservation was done by an Egyptian mission and Egyptian hands. This discovery, the entire 59 wooden coffins, will be displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum," said Mostafa al-Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The first batch of these new coffins was discovered last month, which had 13 containers from 36 feet well.&nbsp;

These are part of a series of major finds emerging from Saqqara.

Saqqara, where hundreds of tombs, including those from the first dynasty are buried, is part of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, a UNESCO world heritage site.&nbsp;

The condition of these coffins is also good.

One of the sarcophagi was opened in front of the assembled reporters and diplomats, which had a perfectly preserved mummy.&nbsp;

Egyptian antiquity minister believes this is just the beginning and more coffins still remain undiscovered inside the burial site.&nbsp;

"Today is not the end of the discovery. I consider that it's the beginning of a big discovery," said Khaled El-Enany, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquity.

However, the public would have to wait a bit for viewing these coffins as they would be placed in a grand museum in Giza.&nbsp;

The museum has been under construction for a long time now and its opening is scheduled for 2021.&nbsp;

Egypt's economy is largely dependant on tourism, which has been severely hit by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Such discoveries give Egypt a big hope and are a reason why the government has invited a large group of journalists and diplomats for the unveiling ceremony.&nbsp;

Egypt's message is clear: spread the word about the land that keeps throwing up centuries-old treasures.&nbsp;

Another stunning discovery has been made in the land of pharaohs. When Egypt is desperately looking to boost its tourism industry, mummies that are said to be almost 2,600 years old have been found.

Another stunning discovery has been made in the land of pharaohs. When Egypt is desperately looking to boost its tourism industry, mummies that are said to be almost 2,600 years old have been found. A cache of 59 coffins that are estimated to be 2,600 years old was discovered from a sealed well in the vast Saqqara necropolis, south of Cairo. Watch | Also read | Egypt announces discovery of 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago There are mummies of priests and clerks inside these coffins from Egypt's 26th ruling dynasty. "I'm very proud that this discovery of today with 59 wooden coffins in perfect condition of preservation was done by an Egyptian mission and Egyptian hands. This discovery, the entire 59 wooden coffins, will be displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum," said Mostafa al-Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The first batch of these new coffins was discovered last month, which had 13 containers from 36 feet well. These are part of a series of major finds emerging from Saqqara. Saqqara, where hundreds of tombs, including those from the first dynasty are buried, is part of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, a UNESCO world heritage site. The condition of these coffins is also good. One of the sarcophagi was opened in front of the assembled reporters and diplomats, which had a perfectly preserved mummy. Egyptian antiquity minister believes this is just the beginning and more coffins still remain undiscovered inside the burial site. "Today is not the end of the discovery. I consider that it's the beginning of a big discovery," said Khaled El-Enany, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquity. However, the public would have to wait a bit for viewing these coffins as they would be placed in a grand museum in Giza. The museum has been under construction for a long time now and its opening is scheduled for 2021. Egypt's economy is largely dependant on tourism, which has been severely hit by the pandemic. Such discoveries give Egypt a big hope and are a reason why the government has invited a large group of journalists and diplomats for the unveiling ceremony. Egypt's message is clear: spread the word about the land that keeps throwing up centuries-old treasures.

How a stunning discovery can revive Egypt's tourism industry

Archaeologists in Egypt have announced the discovery of 59 well-preserved and sealed wooden coffins that were buried more than 2,500 years ago.

Egypt unveils 59 archaeologists unearth well preserved ancient coffins

How tourism is making a return in times of coronavirus

Thousands in Egypt are protesting against President Al-Sisi. There is violence on the streets of Cairo. 9 years since the Arab Spring, is democracy still a far-fetched dream for Egypt? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the report.

Gravitas: Democracy a far-fetched dream for Egypt?

In a rare challenge to President Abdelfattah Elsisi and his government, small protests broke out in several cities across Egypt. The Egyptian authorities sought to prevent the second round of protests on 27 September by shutting down large parts of downtown Cairo and carrying out mass arrests.

Second round of protests in Egypt against President Abdelfattah Elsisi

Egyptian authority is trying hard to revive its battered tourism sector as tourism accounts for 15% of Egypt's national output. Ancient wonders are lying deserted due to the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak.

Egypt authority tries to revive its battered tourism sector, ancient wonders lie deserted

Egyptian officials say they are making every effort to reassure tourists about their safety and encourage them to visit in the hope that the sector revives gradually.

Egypt's tourism sector battered by COVID-19 rules

As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry said that the coffins were found two days ago during a dig at the burial spot where another 13 wooden sarcophagi had been found last week, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-cuts-highways-across-pyramids-plateau-alarming-conservationists-327880">Egypt cuts highways across pyramids plateau, alarming conservationists</a>

The widely spread Saqqara necropolis is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of the popular Giza pyramids.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2400-year-old-egyptian-mummy-unboxed-in-jaipur-after-rainwater-enters-museum-321647#:~:text=A%202%2C400%2Dyear%2Dold%20Egyptian,Albert%20Hall%20Museum%20in%20Jaipur.&amp;text=Stunned%20netizens%20shared%20the%20pictures%20of%20the%20Egyptian%20mummy%20on%20social%20media.">2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy unboxed in Jaipur after rainwater enters museum</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Various photographs of the wooden coffins show well-decorates paintings.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that excavations would take place as it expects more coffins from the site.&nbsp;

Following the discovery, earlier this month, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani described it "just the beginning".&nbsp;

Egypt is trying to encourage archaeological discoveries to lure tourists as the travel industry took a hit due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The country reopened Giza pyramids in July and other archaeological sites for the public and also removed tourist visa fees to attract holidaymakers.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday.

As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday. The ministry said that the coffins were found two days ago during a dig at the burial spot where another 13 wooden sarcophagi had been found last week, reported news agency AFP. Also read | Egypt cuts highways across pyramids plateau, alarming conservationists The widely spread Saqqara necropolis is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of the popular Giza pyramids. Also read | 2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy unboxed in Jaipur after rainwater enters museum Various photographs of the wooden coffins show well-decorates paintings. The ministry also said that excavations would take place as it expects more coffins from the site. Following the discovery, earlier this month, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani described it "just the beginning". Egypt is trying to encourage archaeological discoveries to lure tourists as the travel industry took a hit due to coronavirus pandemic. The country reopened Giza pyramids in July and other archaeological sites for the public and also removed tourist visa fees to attract holidaymakers.

Egypt announces discovery of 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago

WION Dispatch: Egypt's tourism fighting for revival amid pandemic

At the Pyramids of Giza, just a handful of tourists walks among the ancient wonders. Twelve people showed up to admire Luxor's towering colonnades the day it reopened this month. At Egypt's Red Sea resorts, visitor numbers are well below previous years.

With tourists slow to return, Egypt's resorts and ancient sites face tough winter

Authorities say they will be built with care and improve transport links, connecting new urban developments and bypassing central Cairo's congestion

Egypt cuts highways across pyramids plateau, alarming conservationists

The video is colorful, the tune cheerful and the lyrics promise better times ahead. With their concerts on hiatus and their usual routine of rehearsals upended by the coronavirus, members of the Cairo Celebration Choir joined virtually with musicians and soloists to put out a hopeful message amid the virus gloom.

Cairo choir sings message of hope amid virus

Egypt's Gharbiya region is the heartland of its jasmine harvest. The aromatic oils extracted for perfumes from here make up over half the global supply, according to international trade figures.

Egypt: Jasmine Harvesters battle the coronavirus pandemic

When dozens of Egyptians began posting accounts of sexual assault on social media last month, activists sensed a “#MeToo” moment in a nation where women have long felt disadvantaged.

Like high-profile trials in the United States where the now global women’s rights hashtag took off, prosecutors launched charges in Egypt’s best-known recent case: a student from a wealthy background facing multiple accusations.

To encourage victims to come forward, the government approved a bill to better protect their identity.

Yet when the administrator of the Instagram page that attracted the first testimonies tried to expose a second high-profile case, death threats came and she suspended the account at the end of July out of fear, she said.

Furthermore, in what activists see as a move undercutting women’s rights, prosecutors have recently charged several women for “inciting debauchery” with songs and dances in TikTok videos.

One had posted a video saying she had been raped and blackmailed and appealing for help.

Campaigners say there remains a deep-rooted bias in the conservative, Muslim-majority nation to place more blame on women for behaviour deemed provocative than on men for sex crimes.

A United Nations’ survey in 2013 found that 99% of Egyptian women had experienced harassment.

“We are always told that we are the reason for all the wrongdoing happening to us … whether it’s because of what you are wearing or the place you went to,” said Amina Salah El-Din, a 25-year-old internet content creator who says she was a victim of assault last year.

The recent testimonies stemmed from the case of Ahmed Bassam Zaki, a former student at the American University in Cairo (AUC) in his early 20s, who was charged last month with indecent assault against at least three women.

Allegations against Zaki were posted in previous years on a private Facebook group run by AUC students. Authorities reacted after the accusations surfaced on an Instagram account named @assaultpolice.

The volume of testimonies and the fact they targeted someone from an elite background, was unusual.

“There is this stereotype that sexual harassment only happens in certain (poorer) environments,” said Azza Solaiman, an activist and lawyer who helped document the complaints.

Zaki has not addressed the accusations publicly but denied some of them during questioning, according to a prosecution statement. Contacted by Reuters, his father declined comment.

GROWING CASELOAD

After Egypt’s top Sunni Muslim authority – known as Al-Azhar – and the state-run National Council for Women urged more victims to come forward, accusations surfaced against three rights activists, one of whom publicly confessed and was fired and a Coptic Church priest who was also dismissed.

Attention also fell on an alleged gang rape at a luxury Cairo hotel in 2014, with more testimonies on @assaultpolice, before it was taken down. Accounts continued on other pages, however and the public prosecutor’s office announced an investigation on Wednesday.

Even so, judicial authorities remain ill-equipped to deal with harassment and assault crimes, according to activists, some of whom have been highlighting Egypt’s assault problems since long before #MeToo trended in the West.

Egypt did introduce jail terms of at least six months or fines of at least 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($188) for harassment in 2014, after attacks on women near Cairo’s Tahrir Square during celebrations for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s inauguration.

Female police officers now patrol on public holidays or celebrations. But the definitions of rape, assault and harassment still often let defendants get off lightly, campaigners say.

Only forced vaginal intercourse is considered rape, with other forms defined as sexual assault.

“The problem is largely related to the legislative environment, which makes the system unable to deal with this issue,” said Mohamed Fouad, a member of parliament who pressed for action on Zaki’s case.

A Justice Ministry spokesman was unavailable to comment and Egypt’s state press centre and an Interior Ministry spokesman did not respond to questions.

With their pursuit of the TikTok stars, prosecutors have called themselves “guardians of social morality” in targeting women deemed to be wearing suggestive clothes. Activists say the prosecutions violate freedom of expression.

Salah El-Din’s case shows how women who confront social stigma by coming forward seldom have it easy.

Chasing the man who assaulted her outside her apartment in a working-class Cairo neighborhood, she said she had to accuse him of theft to encourage bystanders to catch him.

She then battled to persuade police to take on the case, though the man eventually got a three-year prison sentence.

“They see it’s rare for women to report sexual harassment and that no one follows this through to the end, so they thought it only natural that I would drop it, or file a robbery complaint instead,” she said at an interview at a friend’s home.

When dozens of Egyptians began posting accounts of sexual assault on social media last month, activists sensed a “#MeToo” moment in a nation where women have long felt disadvantaged.

When dozens of Egyptians began posting accounts of sexual assault on social media last month, activists sensed a “#MeToo” moment in a nation where women have long felt disadvantaged. Like high-profile trials in the United States where the now global women’s rights hashtag took off, prosecutors launched charges in Egypt’s best-known recent case: a student from a wealthy background facing multiple accusations. To encourage victims to come forward, the government approved a bill to better protect their identity. Yet when the administrator of the Instagram page that attracted the first testimonies tried to expose a second high-profile case, death threats came and she suspended the account at the end of July out of fear, she said. Furthermore, in what activists see as a move undercutting women’s rights, prosecutors have recently charged several women for “inciting debauchery” with songs and dances in TikTok videos. One had posted a video saying she had been raped and blackmailed and appealing for help. Campaigners say there remains a deep-rooted bias in the conservative, Muslim-majority nation to place more blame on women for behaviour deemed provocative than on men for sex crimes. A United Nations’ survey in 2013 found that 99% of Egyptian women had experienced harassment. “We are always told that we are the reason for all the wrongdoing happening to us … whether it’s because of what you are wearing or the place you went to,” said Amina Salah El-Din, a 25-year-old internet content creator who says she was a victim of assault last year. The recent testimonies stemmed from the case of Ahmed Bassam Zaki, a former student at the American University in Cairo (AUC) in his early 20s, who was charged last month with indecent assault against at least three women. Allegations against Zaki were posted in previous years on a private Facebook group run by AUC students. Authorities reacted after the accusations surfaced on an Instagram account named @assaultpolice. The volume of testimonies and the fact they targeted someone from an elite background, was unusual. “There is this stereotype that sexual harassment only happens in certain (poorer) environments,” said Azza Solaiman, an activist and lawyer who helped document the complaints. Zaki has not addressed the accusations publicly but denied some of them during questioning, according to a prosecution statement. Contacted by Reuters, his father declined comment. GROWING CASELOAD After Egypt’s top Sunni Muslim authority – known as Al-Azhar – and the state-run National Council for Women urged more victims to come forward, accusations surfaced against three rights activists, one of whom publicly confessed and was fired and a Coptic Church priest who was also dismissed. Attention also fell on an alleged gang rape at a luxury Cairo hotel in 2014, with more testimonies on @assaultpolice, before it was taken down. Accounts continued on other pages, however and the public prosecutor’s office announced an investigation on Wednesday. Even so, judicial authorities remain ill-equipped to deal with harassment and assault crimes, according to activists, some of whom have been highlighting Egypt’s assault problems since long before #MeToo trended in the West. Egypt did introduce jail terms of at least six months or fines of at least 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($188) for harassment in 2014, after attacks on women near Cairo’s Tahrir Square during celebrations for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s inauguration. Female police officers now patrol on public holidays or celebrations. But the definitions of rape, assault and harassment still often let defendants get off lightly, campaigners say. Only forced vaginal intercourse is considered rape, with other forms defined as sexual assault. “The problem is largely related to the legislative environment, which makes the system unable to deal with this issue,” said Mohamed Fouad, a member of parliament who pressed for action on Zaki’s case. A Justice Ministry spokesman was unavailable to comment and Egypt’s state press centre and an Interior Ministry spokesman did not respond to questions. With their pursuit of the TikTok stars, prosecutors have called themselves “guardians of social morality” in targeting women deemed to be wearing suggestive clothes. Activists say the prosecutions violate freedom of expression. Salah El-Din’s case shows how women who confront social stigma by coming forward seldom have it easy. Chasing the man who assaulted her outside her apartment in a working-class Cairo neighborhood, she said she had to accuse him of theft to encourage bystanders to catch him. She then battled to persuade police to take on the case, though the man eventually got a three-year prison sentence. “They see it’s rare for women to report sexual harassment and that no one follows this through to the end, so they thought it only natural that I would drop it, or file a robbery complaint instead,” she said at an interview at a friend’s home.

Egypt’s sexual assault accusations spotlight social stigmas

Egyptian mother-of-three Menna said she was caught off guard when a bulldozer clearing space for a controversial highway flattened much of a mausoleum that doubled as her home in a sprawling cemetery.

"The earth mover suddenly hit the wall and we found ourselves throwing our things in a panic" outside, she told AFP.

"They kicked us out on the street," she said, surrounded by rubble and dust in the UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

Menna's parents and grandparents had made their home among the graves of the City of the Dead, the oldest necropolis in the Muslim world.

For those unable to afford prohibitively high rents in Egypt's capital, the burial chambers provide shelter for thousands like her.

Many built extensions to the original mausoleums, eking out a largely tranquil, if bizarre, existence side-by-side with dead sultans, singers and saints in the sprawling east Cairo cemetery.

But Menna said her peace -- and that of the dead -- was shattered by the arrival of workmen.

"It was awful. We moved the dead on straw mats," she said.

She and her husband shifted several bodies, including the remains of her father, to a segment of her home still intact.

Menna is now living with neighbours in part of the cemetery that is not in the demolition area.

Dozens of bodies were displaced by the construction work in the second half of July, according to local media, to make way for the 17.5 kilometre (11 miles) Al-Ferdaous, or Paradise, highway.

- 'Bulldoser policy' -

Ferdaous, connecting major Cairo road arteries, is the latest instalment of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's urban vision.

He is intent on transferring the centre of political power to a new capital, about 45 kilometres east of Cairo -- a mega-project in the desert overseen by the military's engineering arm.

Sisi led the army's overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following mass protests against the Islamist leader's rule.

He won his first term as president in 2014 and was re-elected four years later with more than 97 percent of the vote.

It is not just residents of the City of the Dead who are upset by the demolition work undertaken there.

Galila El-Kadi, a Marseille-based veteran architect and urban researcher, said the site is "an important component" of the capital's urban history.

A final resting place for illustrious figures including singer Farid al-Atrash and writer Ihsan Abdel Kouddous as well as ordinary Egyptians, the Islamic necropolis founded in the seventh century stretches over 6.5 kilometres (four miles).

It is full of ornately designed domes with chiseled Koranic verses that have been the object of fascination for orientalist painters and historians.

Kadi, who authored a book on the City of the Dead (al-Qarafa in Arabic), said the demolition had reached a historic perimeter where luminaries are buried, including Sultan Abu Said Qansuh of the Mamluk dynasty in the 15th century.

She said the demolitions would result in a loss of Cairo's "visual identity and its memory".

They reveal the "blind and arbitrary" character of a haphazard urban planning vision, driven by a "bulldozer policy", Kadi alleged.

UNESCO told AFP that it was "neither informed nor consulted" about the demolition work undertaken in July.

"The World Heritage Centre is following up with the Egyptian authorities to review the matter and assess any potential impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity of the property," it added.

- 'Abuse without mercy' -

On social media, Egyptians have documented the urban destruction with photos of their family vaults as well as historic ones.

A Twitter user with the handle @morocropolis said his maternal family had maintained a vault in Qunsah Street since the 1940s.

He declined to give his full name fearing his criticism of the highway project would land him in trouble.

The authorities "told us that they needed part of the women's burial chamber, but they started to destroy the fence and the tombstones before the remains were moved," he told AFP.

He said he will not be eligible for compensation since the crypt was partially, rather than fully, destroyed.

Egypt's ministry of antiquities defended the work undertaken in the cemetery last month and said "there was no destruction of monuments".

Only "recent graves" were moved, it said.

But Menna said she is haunted by the disturbed bodies.

"They abuse the living and the dead, without mercy... and in the end, no one cares about us."

Egyptian mother-of-three Menna said she was caught off guard when a bulldozer clearing space for a controversial highway flattened much of a mausoleum that doubled as her home in a sprawling cemetery.

Egyptian mother-of-three Menna said she was caught off guard when a bulldozer clearing space for a controversial highway flattened much of a mausoleum that doubled as her home in a sprawling cemetery. "The earth mover suddenly hit the wall and we found ourselves throwing our things in a panic" outside, she told AFP. "They kicked us out on the street," she said, surrounded by rubble and dust in the UNESCO-listed world heritage site. Menna's parents and grandparents had made their home among the graves of the City of the Dead, the oldest necropolis in the Muslim world. For those unable to afford prohibitively high rents in Egypt's capital, the burial chambers provide shelter for thousands like her. Many built extensions to the original mausoleums, eking out a largely tranquil, if bizarre, existence side-by-side with dead sultans, singers and saints in the sprawling east Cairo cemetery. But Menna said her peace -- and that of the dead -- was shattered by the arrival of workmen. "It was awful. We moved the dead on straw mats," she said. She and her husband shifted several bodies, including the remains of her father, to a segment of her home still intact. Menna is now living with neighbours in part of the cemetery that is not in the demolition area. Dozens of bodies were displaced by the construction work in the second half of July, according to local media, to make way for the 17.5 kilometre (11 miles) Al-Ferdaous, or Paradise, highway. - 'Bulldoser policy' - Ferdaous, connecting major Cairo road arteries, is the latest instalment of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's urban vision. He is intent on transferring the centre of political power to a new capital, about 45 kilometres east of Cairo -- a mega-project in the desert overseen by the military's engineering arm. Sisi led the army's overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following mass protests against the Islamist leader's rule. He won his first term as president in 2014 and was re-elected four years later with more than 97 percent of the vote. It is not just residents of the City of the Dead who are upset by the demolition work undertaken there. Galila El-Kadi, a Marseille-based veteran architect and urban researcher, said the site is "an important component" of the capital's urban history. A final resting place for illustrious figures including singer Farid al-Atrash and writer Ihsan Abdel Kouddous as well as ordinary Egyptians, the Islamic necropolis founded in the seventh century stretches over 6.5 kilometres (four miles). It is full of ornately designed domes with chiseled Koranic verses that have been the object of fascination for orientalist painters and historians. Kadi, who authored a book on the City of the Dead (al-Qarafa in Arabic), said the demolition had reached a historic perimeter where luminaries are buried, including Sultan Abu Said Qansuh of the Mamluk dynasty in the 15th century. She said the demolitions would result in a loss of Cairo's "visual identity and its memory". They reveal the "blind and arbitrary" character of a haphazard urban planning vision, driven by a "bulldozer policy", Kadi alleged. UNESCO told AFP that it was "neither informed nor consulted" about the demolition work undertaken in July. "The World Heritage Centre is following up with the Egyptian authorities to review the matter and assess any potential impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity of the property," it added. - 'Abuse without mercy' - On social media, Egyptians have documented the urban destruction with photos of their family vaults as well as historic ones. A Twitter user with the handle @morocropolis said his maternal family had maintained a vault in Qunsah Street since the 1940s. He declined to give his full name fearing his criticism of the highway project would land him in trouble. The authorities "told us that they needed part of the women's burial chamber, but they started to destroy the fence and the tombstones before the remains were moved," he told AFP. He said he will not be eligible for compensation since the crypt was partially, rather than fully, destroyed. Egypt's ministry of antiquities defended the work undertaken in the cemetery last month and said "there was no destruction of monuments". Only "recent graves" were moved, it said. But Menna said she is haunted by the disturbed bodies. "They abuse the living and the dead, without mercy... and in the end, no one cares about us."

Egypt highway uproots graves, homes in 'City of Dead'

SpaceX mogul Elon Musk recently claimed that pyramids in Egypt were built by aliens.

A conspiracy theory which finds itself a lot of traction on social media from time to time, believes that besides building the pyramids, aliens may have used it to garner energy from the planet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Aliens built the pyramids obv
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1289051795763769345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Egypt’s international co-operation minister recently hit out at Musk, all the while inviting him to visit the pyramids.

Minister hits back!

The minister claimed that the tombs of pyramid builders discovered in 1990s prove that the structures were put in place by ancient Egyptians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/elon-musks-upcoming-neuralink-will-let-you-beam-music-directly-into-the-brain-314879" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain</a>

Musk’s tweet about aliens building the pyramids received 85,000 retweets and has been liked by 542,000 people on the platform.

The minister - Rania al-Mashat while inviting Musk to the country claimed that she admired his work. Additionally, she asked to visit and analyse the pyramids for further research.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I follow your work with a lot of admiration. I invite you &amp; Space X to explore the writings about how the pyramids were built and also to check out the tombs of the pyramid builders. Mr. Musk, we are waiting for you 🚀. <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xlr7EoPXX4">https://t.co/Xlr7EoPXX4</a>
— Rania A. Al Mashat (@RaniaAlMashat) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaniaAlMashat/status/1289458032913420288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In another response coming in from the country, an archaeologist - Zahi Hawass claimed that Musk was “hallucinating”, and that this argument bore no evidence.

Hawass said that the discovery of the tombs of the pyramid builders prove that they were built by Egyptians and not slaves, as commonly believed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/very-close-to-level-5-autonomous-driving-technology-tesla-chief-elon-musk-311978" hreflang="en">'Very close' to level 5 autonomous driving technology: Tesla chief Elon Musk</a>

Hours after stirring emotions on Twitter, Musk tweeted out a story about the lives of pyramid builders, while adding that Great Pyramid in Giza remains the most famous.

The pyramids were largely built to serve as tombs for the country’s royalty, with over 100 pyramids surviving in the country. Giza alone, stands at a height of 137 metres.

Musk is no stranger to such odd musings on Twitter.

SpaceX mogul Elon Musk recently claimed that pyramids in Egypt were built by aliens. A conspiracy theory which finds itself a lot of traction on social media from time to time, believes that besides building the pyramids, aliens may have used it to garner energy from the planet.

SpaceX mogul Elon Musk recently claimed that pyramids in Egypt were built by aliens. A conspiracy theory which finds itself a lot of traction on social media from time to time, believes that besides building the pyramids, aliens may have used it to garner energy from the planet. Aliens built the pyramids obv — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 31, 2020 × However, Egypt’s international co-operation minister recently hit out at Musk, all the while inviting him to visit the pyramids. Minister hits back! The minister claimed that the tombs of pyramid builders discovered in 1990s prove that the structures were put in place by ancient Egyptians. Also read: Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain Musk’s tweet about aliens building the pyramids received 85,000 retweets and has been liked by 542,000 people on the platform. The minister - Rania al-Mashat while inviting Musk to the country claimed that she admired his work. Additionally, she asked to visit and analyse the pyramids for further research. I follow your work with a lot of admiration. I invite you & Space X to explore the writings about how the pyramids were built and also to check out the tombs of the pyramid builders. Mr. Musk, we are waiting for you 🚀. @elonmusk https://t.co/Xlr7EoPXX4 — Rania A. Al Mashat (@RaniaAlMashat) August 1, 2020 × In another response coming in from the country, an archaeologist - Zahi Hawass claimed that Musk was “hallucinating”, and that this argument bore no evidence. Hawass said that the discovery of the tombs of the pyramid builders prove that they were built by Egyptians and not slaves, as commonly believed. Also read: 'Very close' to level 5 autonomous driving technology: Tesla chief Elon Musk Hours after stirring emotions on Twitter, Musk tweeted out a story about the lives of pyramid builders, while adding that Great Pyramid in Giza remains the most famous. The pyramids were largely built to serve as tombs for the country’s royalty, with over 100 pyramids surviving in the country. Giza alone, stands at a height of 137 metres. Musk is no stranger to such odd musings on Twitter.

After Musk claims pyramids were built by aliens, an Egyptian official refutes his theory

Ethiopia's massive dam on the Blue Nile is filling up. This is escalating the decade-old conflict with Egypt and Sudan. Now, the Nile is turning into a war front as negotiations continue to fall apart. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The War Over River Nile

An Egyptian court has sentenced five female social media influencers to two years in jail each on charges of violating public morals

Egypt jails TikTok influencers over indecent content

Egypt restarted international flights and reopened major tourist attractions including the Great Pyramids of Giza on Wednesday after over three months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Egypt welcomes tourists to pyramids after COVID-19 closure

Egypt has reopened its world-famous pyramids of Giza in a bid to help its tourism industry recover from the losses that occurred due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Watch report.

Fineprint: Giza pyramids welcome tourists after 3 months | COVID-19 Pandemic

The death of a high-profile Egyptian LGBT+ activist who sought asylum in Canada after being jailed for waving the rainbow flag was mourned on Monday by followers highlighting the nation's ongoing discrimination against the gay community.

Sarah Hegazy, 30, was found dead in her apartment in Toronto where she had been living in exile for about 18 months and struggling with depression, her lawyer Ali el-Halawany confirmed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-top-court-rules-civil-rights-law-protects-lgbt-workers-306124" hreflang="en">US top court rules civil rights law protects LGBT workers</a>

Hegazy rose to prominence in October 2017 when she was arrested after raising the LGBT+ rainbow flag at a concert by popular Lebanese alternative rock band Mashrou'Leila band whose lead singer Hamed Sino is openly gay.

It was a rare public show of support for LGBT+ rights in the conservative Muslim country.

Hegazy was the only woman arrested in a three-week anti-gay crackdown by authorities, and she was charged and detained with "promoting sexual deviancy and debauchery", a charge she denied.

After she was released on bail in January 2018 she sought asylum in Canada.

"Sarah paid the price for choosing her sexual preferences and defending the rights of the sexually abused," el-Halawani said in a Facebook post.

He was not available for further comment.

LGBT+ rights activists paid tribute to Hegazy, circulating a handwritten message attributed to her and written before her death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/polish-president-compares-lgbt-ideology-to-soviet-indoctrination-305628" hreflang="en">Polish president compares 'LGBT ideology' to Soviet indoctrination</a>

Although homosexuality is not a crime in Egypt, discrimination against the LGBT+ community is rife. Gay men are frequently arrested and typically charged with debauchery, immorality or blasphemy.

"This is heartbreaking and tragic. Rest in power," tweeted Mona el-Tahawy, an Egyptian-U.S. writer and independent women's rights advocate.

Mohamed ElBaradei, an Egyptian opposition politician and former interim vice-president, joined the online discussion.

"You may differ with Sarah Hegazy in her thinking and way of life, and this is your right, but is it your right to persecute her and besiege her right to life simply because of your disagreement with her?", he wrote on Twitter.

The death of a high-profile Egyptian LGBT+ activist who sought asylum in Canada after being jailed for waving the rainbow flag was mourned on Monday by followers highlighting the nation's ongoing discrimination against the gay community.

The death of a high-profile Egyptian LGBT+ activist who sought asylum in Canada after being jailed for waving the rainbow flag was mourned on Monday by followers highlighting the nation's ongoing discrimination against the gay community. Sarah Hegazy, 30, was found dead in her apartment in Toronto where she had been living in exile for about 18 months and struggling with depression, her lawyer Ali el-Halawany confirmed. Also read: US top court rules civil rights law protects LGBT workers Hegazy rose to prominence in October 2017 when she was arrested after raising the LGBT+ rainbow flag at a concert by popular Lebanese alternative rock band Mashrou'Leila band whose lead singer Hamed Sino is openly gay. It was a rare public show of support for LGBT+ rights in the conservative Muslim country. Hegazy was the only woman arrested in a three-week anti-gay crackdown by authorities, and she was charged and detained with "promoting sexual deviancy and debauchery", a charge she denied. After she was released on bail in January 2018 she sought asylum in Canada. "Sarah paid the price for choosing her sexual preferences and defending the rights of the sexually abused," el-Halawani said in a Facebook post. He was not available for further comment. LGBT+ rights activists paid tribute to Hegazy, circulating a handwritten message attributed to her and written before her death. Also read: Polish president compares 'LGBT ideology' to Soviet indoctrination Although homosexuality is not a crime in Egypt, discrimination against the LGBT+ community is rife. Gay men are frequently arrested and typically charged with debauchery, immorality or blasphemy. "This is heartbreaking and tragic. Rest in power," tweeted Mona el-Tahawy, an Egyptian-U.S. writer and independent women's rights advocate. Mohamed ElBaradei, an Egyptian opposition politician and former interim vice-president, joined the online discussion. "You may differ with Sarah Hegazy in her thinking and way of life, and this is your right, but is it your right to persecute her and besiege her right to life simply because of your disagreement with her?", he wrote on Twitter.

Death of Egypt LGBT+ activist jailed for waving rainbow flag mourned

Days before the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins, the Islamic world is grappling with an untimely paradox of the new coronavirus pandemic: enforced separation at a time when socializing is almost sacred.

Amid coronavirus, Muslims face Ramadan like never before

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces.

“The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady.&nbsp;

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a46e3b-cfeb-42c6-9627-f4e2fbce268c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_28.jpg" /> 
A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns.

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor.

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/egypt-extends-state-of-emergency-to-three-years-275532" hreflang="en">Egypt extends state of emergency to three years</a>

“Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

“Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added.

Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months.&nbsp;

A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied.

<img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7671e0c9-e525-4f66-a949-68248371e340" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_30.jpg" />

Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts.

A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for.

According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”.

The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place.

Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults.

A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children.

According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing.

(With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse. The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces. “The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process. A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. Also read: Egypt extends state of emergency to three years “Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. “Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added. Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months. A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied. Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts. A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for. According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”. The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place. Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults. A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children. According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing. (With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

Egyptian security forces allegedly torture, detain children in direct violation of law

More than 4,000 professionals and first-time runners took to Egypt's Giza on Saturday (February 22), where they participated in a half marathon around the site of the country's historic pyramids.

Egypt's historic pyramids serve as backdrop for half marathon

On February 25, the Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died at the age of 91 after suffering from an illness. Mubarak served as the Egyptian President for nearly 30 years before resigning as a result of 2011 Egyptian mass protests.

Mubarak dies at 91: Military funeral in Cairo

Ex-Egyptian autocrat Mubarak dies at 91 after prolonged illness

A British man has been thrown into jail in Egypt for allegedly "sexually assaulting" a police officer at the airport; however, the family claims that he just patted the officer on the back.

According to reports, the incident occurred while Tony Camoccio was at the Hurghada International Airport. He was undergoing routine security check ahead of his flight to London.

The report says the businessman was then taken into detention at a local police station.

Since the reports of his arrest emerged a petition has been circulating on the internet demanding Camoccio to be released. The petition has over&nbsp;3,700 signs.

"At customs in Hurghada airport on his outbound journey, he (Camoccio) was at a final checkpoint where he was, as a standard procedure for all outbound passengers, patted down by a security officer," read the petition.

"Tony then gently patted the officer's back, and is now facing serious accusations," the petition claims.

According to the petition, Camoccio was held in general population cell overnight and is being denied from basic human rights.&nbsp;

"He was held in a general population cell overnight where he remained in handcuffs, petrified for his life as he did not know what he was supposedly being charged with or what he had done wrong."

"His basic human rights were being abused and these are false accusations."

Briton made sexual gestures at a police officer, local media quoted Egyptian officials as saying. The officials also have CCTV footage which supports their version of the event.

However, Camoccio's family claims he is innocent.

As per reports, Camoccio was on a vacation in Hurghada along with 18 others.&nbsp;

It was a “dreadful situation” for the family and that she was "worried sick", said her sister-in-law Brenda Doody.

Meanwhile, Britain's Foreign Office says it is in contact with the family and officials in Egypt. 
&nbsp;

A British man has been thrown into jail in Egypt for allegedly "sexually assaulting" a police officer at the airport; however, the family claims that he just patted the officer on the back.

A British man has been thrown into jail in Egypt for allegedly "sexually assaulting" a police officer at the airport; however, the family claims that he just patted the officer on the back. According to reports, the incident occurred while Tony Camoccio was at the Hurghada International Airport. He was undergoing routine security check ahead of his flight to London. The report says the businessman was then taken into detention at a local police station. Since the reports of his arrest emerged a petition has been circulating on the internet demanding Camoccio to be released. The petition has over 3,700 signs. "At customs in Hurghada airport on his outbound journey, he (Camoccio) was at a final checkpoint where he was, as a standard procedure for all outbound passengers, patted down by a security officer," read the petition. "Tony then gently patted the officer's back, and is now facing serious accusations," the petition claims. According to the petition, Camoccio was held in general population cell overnight and is being denied from basic human rights. "He was held in a general population cell overnight where he remained in handcuffs, petrified for his life as he did not know what he was supposedly being charged with or what he had done wrong." "His basic human rights were being abused and these are false accusations." Briton made sexual gestures at a police officer, local media quoted Egyptian officials as saying. The officials also have CCTV footage which supports their version of the event. However, Camoccio's family claims he is innocent. As per reports, Camoccio was on a vacation in Hurghada along with 18 others. It was a “dreadful situation” for the family and that she was "worried sick", said her sister-in-law Brenda Doody. Meanwhile, Britain's Foreign Office says it is in contact with the family and officials in Egypt.

British Man arrested in Egypt for 'patting officer on the back'

Egypt on Thursday (January 30) unveiled a new archaeological discovery in the southern governorate of Minya, including 16 communal tombs belonging to the high priests of god Djehuty and senior officials of the late period.

Egypt unveils 2,500-year-tombs of high priests in southern city

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