Egypt's Attorney General Killed in Bomb Explosion

Hisham Barakat, Egypt's Attorney General, was killed due to severe injuries from a bombing targeting his car on Monday, July 8, in Cairo. According to Reuters, this bombing is another sign of the escalation of attacks by extremist Islamist groups against judicial and prosecutorial officials in Egypt. These extremist groups, angered by widespread arrests and heavy sentences for members and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, have targeted judges and other government officials in recent months. The incident on Monday marks the highest-ranking Egyptian official to be targeted in these attacks. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the former head of Egypt's military, ousted the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following widespread protests and took over the presidency. This month, Morsi was sentenced to death for his involvement in a mass prison break that occurred in 2011. Egyptian state media, medical sources, and judicial officials confirmed Barakat's death on Monday afternoon. He was severely injured by a bomb planted in a vehicle on his route and was transferred to the hospital, but despite surgery, doctors could not save him. The Egyptian Health Ministry spokesperson stated that Barakat was severely injured in the shoulder and face. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Egyptian security sources say the bomb, which was planted in a vehicle along the Attorney General's route, was remotely controlled. According to the official MENA news agency, nine people, including several police officers, were injured in the explosion. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was very powerful and shattered the windows of nearby buildings. Reuters adds that last month, groups affiliated with the 'Islamic State' in Egypt called on their followers to attack judicial officials. Earlier in May, three judges were shot dead in the city of Arish in North Sinai. Barakat's office was also attacked earlier this year, and a bomb exploded near the Supreme Court building in downtown Cairo, killing two people. Armed Islamist groups have increased their activities in the Sinai region, and since Morsi's ouster, hundreds of police officers and soldiers have been killed in these attacks. The most active Islamist group in these areas has pledged allegiance to the 'Islamic State.' A video titled 'Destroy the Judges' was published on Sunday on social media affiliated with this group, showing armed individuals shooting at a vehicle that the group claims was carrying several judges. Reuters has not yet been able to verify the authenticity of this video and the claims made in it. Egyptian security sources reported that in another attack on Monday afternoon in northern Sinai, two people were killed and at least 12 were injured. A spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency told the state news agency that as June 30 approaches, marking the anniversary of Morsi's ouster, the Ministry of Interior has increased security measures. Ahmed al-Zind, the Minister of Justice, who is considered a hardline judge and a staunch opponent of the Muslim Brotherhood, stated before the announcement of Barakat's death: 'These attacks will not prevent judges and prosecutors from fulfilling their national duty as mandated by the constitution and they will continue to fight against terrorists and other criminals.' The Egyptian judiciary claims to be independent from the government and armed forces. However, some judges in Egypt have been accused of siding with the government and military for issuing very heavy prison sentences and death penalties for Islamist activists.