Following the assassination of Major Adel Ragaai, head of the army’s ninth armour division, on Saturday, the privately-owned newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm published an editorial piece on its first page, calling on the Egyptian people to collaborate with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
The editorial piece read that Al-Sisi is at the top of the list of those who are responsible for Egypt, and the military is responsible for defending the country; however, the Egyptian people remain the key protector of Egypt and the president. It also said that the Egyptian people are responsible for supporting Al-Sisi and the military’s success.
It further continued that, in a moment of danger, Egyptians chose Al-Sisi to represent them, adding that it is not fair for Al-Sisi to be facing all the challenges and problems on his own.
On his Saturday show, TV presenter Ahmed Moussa demanded that military trials be imposed following the assassination of Ragaai. He also called on the people to support the use of military trials until the idea reaches Al-Sisi.
Egypt has been severely criticised by international rights organisations for the high rate of civilians standing military trials.
Several MPs demanded the referral of the militants to military trials, including Sherif Al-Wardany, who is a member in the parliamentary Human Rights Committee.
Little-known and unaffiliated militant group called Lewaa Al-Thawra (Revolution Brigade) claimed responsibility for assassinating Ragaai. In a statement, the group said that it had seized Ragaai’s personal weapon.
Although the public domain is dominated by pro-Sisi figures, in media and the parliament, a poll conducted by Baseera revealed that supporter for Al-Sisi declined by 14%.
