Morsi backers in Egypt call for mass protest Friday
CAIRO -- As Egypt braced for more mass demonstrations Friday, the head of the new interim government said Thursday that he hopes to have a new Cabinet formed by Sunday.
Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi and other officials are inviting representatives from the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party to join the new coalition. But supporters of Mohamed Morsi, who was ousted from power last week by the military, scoffed at the offer, calling the interim government illegitimate and noting that the army is still arresting its leaders.
Prosecutors on Wednesday called for the arrest of Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and other top figures, with state media reporting that Badie is accused of inciting violence ahead of clashes Monday between the army and his movement’s supporters that left more than 50 people dead.
Morsi, who has not been heard from or seen since he was ousted July 3, is believed to be detained at the Republican Guard complex in Cairo.
“We will continue our peaceful resistance to the bloody military coup against constitutional legitimacy,” the Brotherhood said in a statement. “We trust that the peaceful and popular will of the people shall triumph over force and oppression.”
As the Muslim holiday of Ramadan entered its second day, Morsi supporters continued to wage a sit-in in the Cairo district of Nasr City, where thousands of people were camped out calling for his reinstatement. They were calling for another mass protest after Friday prayers.
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