Egypt: New Wave Of Detentions Involving MB Members In Beni Suef

The Egyptian security agencies on Saturday August 26, 2006, raided houses of four Muslim Brotherhood members in Beni Suef Governorate, Upper Egypt, detaining them and confiscated books and personal properties. Reasons for the detention are not known yet. This comes a part of the Egyptian security agencies’ tough policy against Muslim Brotherhood’s activities.

Meanwhile, the State Security Prosecution on Saturday extended the detention of Dr. Mohamed Morsy and Dr. Essam Al-erian and three others.

Ikhwan lawyer Abdul-Monem Abdul-Maksoud stated to Ikhwanweb that the MB defendents are expected to face the usual charges of joining an outlawed group founded to the contrary of law and constitution. Observers try to know the reasons for the delay of referring the 17 members detained Friday, with sources suggesting that the authorities may consider leveling further fresh charges which may be more serious and more punishable.

The State Security Prosecution on Saturday also rejected the court ruling to release MB leader Dr. Helmi el Gazzar and two other, adding their names to another MB related case so that the journey of referral to the prosecution starts, with the latter having authority to extend their detention in the newly fabricated case.