Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab accused the Muslim Brotherhood of attempting to affect the perception of Egypt by “fabricating” undated audio allegedly leaked from President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi when he was the Minister of Defense.
Turkey-based Pro-Muslim Brotherhood channel Mekameleen published audio Saturday in which two voices are heard discussing obtaining money from wealthy Gulf States; the audio triggered outrage in both in Egypt and Gulf states, saying that such audio is a “slander” against Egypt and Gulf States.
According to the about 6-minute audio, a voice, allegedly belonging to Sisi, wanted money to transferred to the Army’s account to be used “for the state.”
The audio, the authenticity of which has not been confirmed, also mentioned a Saudi official called Fahd Al Askar, who the MB channel claimed was working in the Saudi Royal Diwan; a military official was allegedly informing Askar about the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF)’s nomination of Sisi to run for President.
However, a Saudi official from Royal Diwan, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media, told Youm7 that Askar is an academic and there is no one named Askar n the Diwan.
Askar is President Deputy of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University; he was interviewed by a talk show on the Egyptian T.V. channel, Al-Qahera we al-Nas (Cairo and the People) on Oct. 17, praising Sisi.
Head of General Security for the Emirate of Dubai Dhahi Khalfan criticized the audio, tweeting “Denunciations that created by the Muslim Brotherhood to cause slander between Egypt and the Arab Gulf States are childhish acts,” adding such audio “is not true at all.”
Social media users created a hashtag translating to “Sisi is ridiculing Gulf States” (#السيسي_يحتقر_الخليج ) which is trending in Egypt; however, another hashtag was created to say “Sisi respects the Gulf States” (#السيسي_يحترم_الخليج).
Kuwaiti writer Fajer Al-Saeed, who interviewed former first lady Suzan Mubarak in February, said that Egypt’s stability means the stability of Gulf States and “we know that the Brotherhood aims to overthrow the Gulf regimes.”
The MB channel also published alleged leaked audios about former President Mohamed Morsi’s detention in an undisclosed location after being ousted by the army on July 3, 2013 following mass protests called for the end of his regime on June 30, 2013.
Following the ouster of Morsi, Gulf States gave Egypt financial aid in cash and deposits; Sisi said in May before his election that the Gulf aid to Egypt since the June 30 incidents reached $ 20 billion.
Egypt will receive $10 billion in deposits from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates before Egypt’s upcoming Economic Development Summit scheduled in March, Youm7 reported Wednesday.
After the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group in December 2013, many of the MB members and supporters left Egypt, fleeing to Turkey, Qatar and London. Saudi Arabia and United Arab of Emirates (UAE) also designated the Brotherhood a terrorist group.
