The Muslim Brotherhood condemns any violence against peaceful protestors

The Muslim Brotherhood is deeply disturbed by the continuation of brutal violence against peaceful protestors by the Military Junta. Today’s protests against military trials for civilians were dispersed by use of water cannons, tear gas and heavy handed arrests.

This was the first execution of the new draconian law forbidding protests and aimed at silencing any opposition. There were 76 arrests of which it is believed 22 are women who were subjected to beatings and sexual harassment.

The Muslim Brotherhood condemns the brutal repression of innocent civilians.

We demand the release of all political prisoners and an end to the protest law which is even more repressive than any regulation imposed by Mubarak.  All Egyptians have the right to freedom of speech and freedom of association and protest. This was one of the principal hard-won gains of Egypt’s revolution, which are being confiscated and violated by the coup authorities in their continuous attack on the 25 January revolution.

We call on all to unite and oppose the return of the worst form of dictatorship. Justice can never be served under a Military Coup.

Democracy must be restored so that all Egyptians can live in a society where their voices are heard and their rights respected.

Muslim Brotherhood Press Office London