Egypt presses terrorism charges against leading Brotherhood members

Egyptian authorities have pressed terrorism charges against five top figures of the Muslim Brotherhood, including a former supreme guide of the group. "They are facing charges of inciting killing and terrorism,” a judicial source told the Anadolu Agency. Judicial authorities accuse four Brotherhood leaders of inciting supporters to arm themselves with weapons against protesters at the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Cairo’s district of Mokattam on June 30. The defendants include former guide Mohamed Mahdi Akef, first deputy leader Khairat El-Shatter, deputy leader Rashad Bayoumi and party chairman Saad Katatni. The four leaders have pleaded not guilty to all charges. They have been remanded in custody for 15 days pending investigation. At least 9 people were killed in clashes between Brotherhood loyalists and protesters near the main headquarters in Mokattam on June 30. Terrorism charges have also been pressed against Salafist preacher Hazem Salah Abu Ismail. A judicial source said Abu Ismail is accused of "inciting to killing of protesters with the intent of terrorism and forming armed groups to terrorize citizens." Arrest orders were also issued for Brotherhood leaders Essam Erian and Mohamed Beltagi and Salafist preacher Safwat Hegazi on similar charges. A Brotherhood leader and lawyer, and a former lawmaker have also been arrested on charges of incitement to violence against protestors. At least 91 people have been killed in violent confrontations between supporters and opponents of ousted President Mohammad Morsi since June 30. Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood leader, was removed by the powerful military on Wednesday after massive protests against his regime. The army has said it will allow peaceful protests unless demonstrators threaten national security.