Morsi supporters at Cairo's Rabaa El-Adaweya Square (Photo: Bassem Abo Alabass)
Holding newspapers over their heads to shelter from the sun, thousands of Islamists, led by Muslim Brotherhood members, appealed to God during Friday prayers to grant them mercy and power and enable them to continue their sit-in in Cairo’s Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square.
The protesters are gathered in support of Mohamed Morsi, who was removed from the presidency on Wednesday by the military amid massive nationwide protests against his rule
“The opposition wanted to dictate its conditions to the president and it always has rejected his invitations for national dialogue. Is this democracy?” said Mohamed Khalil, who was guarding one of the entrances to the square.
Helmeted Khalil, who was holding a wooden baton, told Ahram Online that Egyptian media channels have hypnotised people because large number of protesters were in the streets on 30 June were pro-Morsi.
“Opposition figures have allied with western powers such as Israel and US to down the president. God is the sole one that stands with us,” he added.
Ahram Online’s male reporter did not find it easy to talk with women protesters, who were being well-protected at the demonstration.
“I’m one of the retired military officers and I’m supporting Morsi and his legitimacy,” revealed a man in his fifties, who preferred to be anonymous.
On the main stage, prominent Brotherhood members Safwat Hegazy and Mohamed El-Beltagy were urging people not to leave the sit-in, arguing that armed forces chief El-Sisi’s decision to remove Morsi was null and void.
“Down with military rule; Morsi remains the president,” chanted the protesters, led by El-Beltagy. “We will defend Morsi’s legitimacy with our souls.”
Speakers on the stage said that millions of the president’s supporters would soon join the sit-in, and they would head to free Morsi who they believe is under armed guard at the Republican Guards headquarters, a short distance away.
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