Al-Ahram reports that Egypt’s parliament has received official orders from Egypt’s military rulers to dissolve:

The secretariat of Egypt’s People’s Assembly on Thursday received an official notification from Egypt’s ruling military council to immediately dissolve the lower house of parliament in line with Thursday’s High Constitutional Court (HCC) verdict.

According to a source who asked to remain anonymous, the Assembly’s secretary-general, Sami Mahran, received the notification, which also prohibits everyone except workers and parliamentary reporters from entering the parliament building.

NY Times’ David Kirkpatrick adds from Cairo:

Egypt’s military rulers formally dissolved Parliament Friday, state media reported, and security forces were stationed around the building on orders to bar anyone, including lawmakers, from entering the chambers without official notice.

The developments … further escalated tensions over court rulings on Thursday … Coming on the eve of a presidential runoff, they thrust the nation’s troubled transition to democracy since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak last year into grave doubt.

The authorities set up checkpoints overnight and contingents of riot police were moving around the city to prepare for any disturbances.

As of midday the streets remained relatively quiet. Mindful of the sweltering sun, organizers called for a demonstration later, just hours before the polls are expected to open for the presidential runoff on Saturday. …

 

(Photo: Earlier photo of Egypt’s SCAF: Reuters.)