Egypt’s army spokesman said on Thursday that the defense minister’s call for protest is not a call for violence but is an effort to “complete the June 30 revolution”. Egypt’s top army commander Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for a protest on Friday to mandate the army to confront violence and terrorism following the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.
Spokesman Ahmed Aly added that Sisi’s call was not a threat directed at any one faction but a national initiative to confront violence and terrorism.
“The armed forces call on all political movements and factions to avoid provocative acts and peacefully express their views.”
He insisted that the army will take harsh measures against those who resort to violence during the demonstrations.
Pro Mohamed Morsi demonstrations have been held since Egypt’s army ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, following mass demonstrations where millions took to the streets.
Violent confrontations between Mohamed Morsi supporters and opponents or security forces across the country have killed over 100 people and injured hundreds.
Brotherhood leader says army’s call for protest worse than demolishing holy Kaaba
The Muslim Brotherhood’s spiritual leader, Mohamed Badie, called on Egyptians to rally on Friday “for freedom and legitimacy” and to condemn what he described as the bloody military coup.
Badie described a call made by Egypt’s top army commander for protest as a more serious offense than demolishing the holy Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque (Al-Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca, stone by stone.
Egypt’s Army Chief and Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for a protest on Friday to mandate the army to confront violence and terrorism.
In a weekly message published on Thursday, Badie urged his followers not to resort to violence even when others initiate it.
He cited Quranic verses, saying, “Our motto in the face of the killers of worshipers, men, women and children is: If you extend your hand to kill me, I will not extend my hand to kill you; for I fear God, lord of the worlds. I would rather you bear my sin and your sin, and you become among the inmates of [hell]. Such is the reward for the evildoers.”
Pro Mohamed Morsi demonstrations have been held since Egypt’s army ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, following mass demonstrations where millions took to the streets.
“The Egyptian people will respond to you as they did to unjust rulers from before you”, Badie told Sisi, describing him as the only real ruler in the country and all other authorities as puppets.
Guards thwart attempt to smuggle arms into Egypt
Western-border guards managed to confiscate three sacks containing 10 machines guns and ammunition in Salloum on Thursday, Egypt’s army spokesman said.
The army’s official page said the case has been referred to a prosecutor to take the necessary procedures.
The statement added that the operation came in light of enhanced efforts to secure Egypt’s strategic borders.
Pro and anti Mohamed Morsi clashes in Tanta leave five injured
Five people were injured in confrontations between supporters and opponents of deposed President Mohamed Morsi in Tanta late on Wednesday, Gharbiya’s security director Hatem Osman said.
The clashes happened in light of a march organized by Mohamed Morsi’s supporters on Wednesday, reported the Middle East News Agency.
Osman denied that any deaths occurred in the confrontations.
This content is from : Aswat Masriya
