Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top

World

Defiant Morsi tells Egypt court to try ‘coup’ leaders

‘Defiance noteworthy’

Morsi’s trial is seen as a test for the new authorities, who have been accused of heavy handedness.

With more than 1,000 people killed since Morsi’s overthrow and thousands of Islamists arrested, hopes for a political settlement are slim.

“Morsi’s insistence that he is still the legitimate president shows that he and most of the Muslim Brotherhood is not ready to give up their legitimacy claim,” said Shadi Hamid of the Brookings Doha Center think-tank.

“Their stand is detached from the reality, but their defiance is noteworthy and could keep supporters energised.”

The Anti Coup Alliance backing Morsi said his defiance was a message to continue “non violent opposition against the repression and tyranny until the coup is completely defeated,” and called for protests on Tuesday.

Despite calls to demonstrate on Monday, his supporters failed to mobilise in large numbers.

Amnesty International said Morsi should be granted a fair trial, including the right to challenge evidence against him.

“Failing to do so would further call into question the motives behind his trial,” said Amnesty’s Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

But Hamid believes the “political” nature of the trial will drive its outcome.

“There is zero chance of it being free and fair,” he said.

On Sunday, foreign ministry spokesman Badr Abdelatty said Morsi “will have rights to a free and fair trial”.

Morsi was catapulted from the long banned Muslim Brotherhood to the presidency after winning Egypt’s first free elections in 2012.

His victory was made possible by the 2011 uprising that toppled long time autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

But Morsi’s short lived presidency was marred by political turmoil, deadly clashes and a crippling economic crisis.

In November 2012, he decreed himself sweeping powers, prompting opponents to accuse him of failing the ideals of the revolution.

It was a turning point that launched the worst polarisation in Egypt’s recent history.

A month later, deadly clashes erupted outside the presidential palace between his supporters and opponents in which at least seven people were killed.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

About The Author

Pages: 1 2

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News