In a televised speech on Monday, Egypt’s Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb announced that he feels obliged to perform itikaf at home if all parties failed to take responsibility in stopping the bloodshed. Further details on the latest news from Egypt below.
Azhar sheikh stays home in protest of violence
Egypt’s Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb announced on Monday that he may perform “itikaf” at home – an Islamic practice that involves a retreat from daily activities – following recent violence.
“I announce to everyone on this day that reeks of blood that I find myself obliged to stay at home until everybody takes responsibility in the stopping of bloodshed,” Tayeb said in a televised speech on Monday.
Tayeb asked that a timeline for the next six months be announced immediately and that a committee for national reconciliation be formed within the next two days.
He demanded that all political detainees be released from prison and urged the state to protect peaceful protesters.
He asked for a quick investigation in the Republican Guard’s violence that took place early on Monday killing at least 50 people.
Breaking: Azhar sheikh may not leave home in protest of violence
Breaking: Egypt military to hold press conference shortly
A spokesman of the Egyptian army will hold a press conference on Monday to comment on the violence outside the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo, State TV reported.
Egypt interim president forms committee to investigate Cairo violence
Egypt’s interim President Adli Mansour ordered on Monday the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate what the presidency called “an attempt to storm Cairo’s Republican Guard headquarters,” which left at least 42 people dead.
The presidency called on all protesters not to approach military facilities or other vital installations in a statement it issued.
It also expressed its deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries during the events.
The presidency also urged all parties to practice self-restraint and uphold the country’s national interest and security above everything else.
The statement also stressed that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed to everyone without discrimination.
It appealed to all parties to “carry out their responsibility in achieving national reconciliation in order to get through the transitional phase as quickly as possible.”
This content is from : Aswat Masriya
