(AFP Photo)
Prosecutor General Tala’at Abdallah referred a number of political figures, activists, and parties to investigation for their alleged connection to clashes that took place in Moqattam on Friday, around the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The prosecution is in the process of reviewing photos and videos taken during the Friday clashes that injured over 200 people as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Peaceful demonstration is a right for everyone,” said President Mohamed Morsi on his official Twitter account. “What is happening now has no relationship with the revolution and is violence, riots, and attacks on public and private property that is dealt with according to law.”
“If investigations show the conviction of some politicians, necessary action against them will take place, whatever their level may be,” added Morsi.
“All are equal before the law and I will not allow any violation of the law, whether supporters or opposition,” he posted.
The president also turned his attention to the media saying: “Some use the media to incite violence and those involved will not go unpunished. Everyone who participated in the incitement is a participant in the crime.”
Morsi asserted that attempts to make the state appear weak had failed, and advised citizens to maintain security of the country and exercise restraint.
The president vowed he would take necessary action to protect the country, saying he was “worried” that it might come to this.
The Al-Dostour Party strongly condemned the president and the Muslim Brotherhood on Saturday following the clashes, accusing them of pushing the country into civil strife and disregarding public anger and frustration.
The party pointed to November’s presidential decree as a large contributing factor to the current unrest, invigorated by clashes at the presidential palace in December.
The party condemned Muslim Brotherhood Secretary General Mahmoud Hussein for showing one-sided footage during the group’s Saturday night press conference while ignoring attacks carried out by the Brotherhood.
The country is still dealing with an authoritative regime, said the Al-Dostour Party, except this one rules in the name of religion.
The Al-Tayar Al-Shaaby denied participating in the demonstration that turned violent, saying it did not want to be dragged into civil strife in a statement on Saturday.
The group demanded that the Ministry of Interior work to secure all parties’ headquarters and maintain security.
British Ambassador to Egypt James Watt met with the Muslim Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie on Sunday to discuss and condemn the violence and urge for more political dialogue.
