Egypt

Egyptian ministries bracing for Morsy trial

Egyptian ministries are bracing for a day of potential unrest on 4 November, the day former President Mohamed Morsy is scheduled to appear in court.
 
The Interior Ministry said Saturday that security forces are preparing for protests following marching calls by the Muslim Brotherhood, focusing on 4 November with the Morsy trial.
 
The Brotherhood is looking to spread chaos and hinder traffic, the ministry warned.
 
 

In a statement the ministry said it will use every lawful tool at its disposal to police events.

All ministry departments have been instructed to protect public and police property and prevent violence, according to the statement.

The Health Ministry has also announced it is on high alert ahead of Morsy’s trial. No hospital or emergency services staff have been permitted days-off.

The ministry said it will have a central operations room during the day linking up governorates across Egypt, which will notify the Interior Ministry on significant developments.

Emergency services will have 2,004 ambulances at their disposal, 434 of them stationed in the capital. Ambulances will be distributed along highways, deserts and international and coastal roads 24 hours ahead of the trial.

Medial equipment and blood supplies are also being distributed to hospitals, particularly in Cairo.

Hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood supporters ended on Saturday a protest staged outside the High Court. Ultras Nahdawy movement announced end of protests staged on the same day, demanding the halting of Morsy’s trial.

Traffic around the High Court returned to normal after end of the protest. Mohamed Yehia, a movement member, said the protest was peaceful. The protest was scheduled to last for one hour. No clashes with residents or security forces took place.

The day of Morsy’s trial, according to Yehia, “will see the biggest rally before the place of his trial and near embassies and consulates.”

Security forces emptied the High Court of employees on Saturday after the Ultras Nahdawy march was joined by Morsy supporters.

Supporters raised the yellow Rabaa al-Adaweya sign and chanted slogans against Egypt's military.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

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