Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood Fears Massive Detentions Lying Ahead

Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt voiced its concerns over a likely wide range campaign of detentions which could extend to include  thousands of Ikhwan in the coming days, including high ranking members. In a statement to Al Quds el Arabi, First Deputy Chairman, Dr. Mohamed Habib, said the group has credible information of an imminent and massive campaign of detentions among its ranks, adding that the number of the nabbed Ikhwan members so far has reached 700. Habib pointed out that the growing number of detentions brings to memory the infamous September 1981 atmosphere, when president Sadat jailed thousands of opposition figures.

Reports indicate that there are fears of imminent detention of the entire Muslim Brotherhood Executive Bureau, the highest authority within the MB, including the chairman himself, Mr. Mohamed Akef.

Former MB member of parliament, Dr. Gamal Heshmat, affirmed that there are signs that the group could witness rough times ahead ,adding “The regime has gone mad, and has come to strike at all nationalist forces indiscriminately” These expectations were also clear in the MB Chairman’s recent statements in which he predicted a fierce campaign on the part of the regime, saying that the recent  arrest of 31 members at Mersa Matruh, north west of Egypt, buttresses the fact that the government has actually decided to launch a ruthless war on the group.