Morsi allies reject interim Egyptian government

Egypt has prepared for demonstrations and protests from Islamist allies of Mohammed Morsi, the first freely elected President of the country who has now been overthrown by the army. It is expected that Morsi’s allies will attempt to express their anger at his ousting and object to the new interim government, which has been imposed upon the country.

The Islamist Muslim Brotherhood Movement called for a “day of rejection” after Morsi was overthrown by the Egyptian forces and are thought to be organising a day of protests during which they will take to the streets after Friday prayers.

Several members of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood have reportedly been detained, including Mohammed al- Badie, the group’s supreme leader. There are believed to have been arrests ordered for an estimated 300 Brotherhood officials. This has come as a shock to many and demonstrates just how much has changed in the country after the military coup which removed President Morsi from power.

A spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Mr Gehad el- Haddad, stated:  “We are being headhunted all over the country. We are holding a mass rally after Friday prayers to take all peaceful steps necessary to bring down this coup.”

The country’s new interim president will be Aldi Mansour.

In Mansour’s first interview with Channel 4, he extended an offering of integration to members of the Brotherhood, referring to them as “part of the fabric of Egyptian society”. He added: “They are just one of the parties and they are invited to integrate. If they answer the call, they will be welcomed”

Mr Morsi is currently in military custody and state prosecutors announced on Thursday that he will face an investigation into claims that he had “insulted the Presidency”.  

Molly Kersey