Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed El-Beltagy urges Egyptian authorities on Sunday to "step in with full strength in order to prevent the killing of civilians," in response to the clashes that have overtaken major cities in Egypt on the second anniversary of the revolution and after a court issued a controversial death sentence.
"What are you waiting for to interfere?" he asked in a Facebook message directed to President Mohamed Morsi, Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim and Defence Minister Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
"You need to stop the arson attacks, blocking roads, bridges and tunnels and provide security," he admonished. "It is your duty to immediately intervene to face this thuggery through via all legitimate means provided by the constitution and the law, including declaring an emergency state."
"God, history, and the people will hold you accountable if you stand still without robustly confronting killings, arson attacks and lootings … That has nothing to do with the right to peacefully protest or stage a sit-in for political purposes."
Clashes erupted across Egypt on the second anniversary of the January 25 Revolution on Friday between police forces and civilians. Governmental buildings and public properties were attacked, as well as headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood – whose political arm fielded Morsi in the last presidential race.
Since Friday hundreds have been injured and over 40 were killed, amid recurrent protests against Morsi and the Brotherhood mainly for "not fulfilling the demands of the revolution after assuming power."
