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                 Panel Approves New Egyptian Draft Constitution

   A 50-member panel tasked with amending Egypt`s constitution has
   approved a new draft that includes changes to the interim government`s
   transition plan and stipulations for when civilians can be tried by the
   military.
   The new constitution must be approved by voters, and would replace the
   pro-Islamic document enacted under ousted president Mohamed Morsi. A
   referendum is expected to be held by next month.
   The draft calls for presidential and parliamentary elections, with the
   process for one beginning within 90 days and the other within six
   months. The transition plan specified the vote for parliament would
   happen first, but the draft constitution opens the way for the
   presidential poll to be held first.
   The charter carries over the military`s ability to try civilians, but
   specifies that prosecutions can only be carried out in cases involving
   offenses like direct attacks on military personnel, facilities or
   equipment.
   Meanwhile, authorities used tear gas Sunday to break up a protest in
   Cairo`s Tahrir Square against Mr. Morsi`s ouster. No injuries were
   reported.
   The military overthrew Mr. Morsi in July. He has been put on trial,
   charged with inciting violence that led to the deaths of protesters.
   Also Sunday, Egyptian authorities freed prominent activist Ahmed Maher,
   founder of one of the groups that spearheaded the revolt against
   long-time president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. But prosecutors extended the
   detention of another prominent activist, Alaa Abdel Fattah, by 15 days.
   Both are accused of taking part in last week`s violent protest against
   a clause in the draft constitution that would try civilians before a
   military court for certain crimes.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/panel-approves-new-egyptian-draft-con
   stitution/1801540.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/panel-approves-new-egyptian-draft-constitution/1801540.html