Presidential hopeful Hamdeen Sabbahi told OnTV Saturday that not all people who were killed in the Rabaa al-Adaweya sit-in in mid-August were terrorists.
Sabbahi held two sides responsible for the killings. "Muslim Brotherhood leaders come first in responsibility for the bloodshed. Those who have been entrusted with breaking up the sit-in but lacked professionalism come second in responsibility," Sabbahi said.
"The police did not break up the sit-in efficiently and professionally. They have to develop themselves, increase their efficiency and professionalism and adhere to human rights which prioritize the security of citizens over the regime," he added.
"The Interior Ministry cannot carry out its role under a failing cabinet," Sabbahi said.
"I do not care for the votes of the Muslim Brotherhood or for whom they will cast their votes, but I care for ending the current crisis," Sabbahi emphasized.
Official reports estimated over 600 pro-Muslim Brotherhood protesters were killed in the Rabaa al-Adaweya sit-in dispersal. The Egypt government later classified the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
Concerning a statement attributed to himself about referring former Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to interrogation over the Rabaa dispersal, Sabbahi said he does not consider Sisi a defendant who should be referred to trial.
Sabbahi added that he would leave the judiciary to handle the issue and would not interfere with its work if he became president.
"The performance of the current cabinet in confronting terrorism is not satisfying as it failed to eliminate it after 10 months in power," Sabbahi said.
According to Sabbahi, there was a need for a comprehensive vision to change the situation and uproot terrorism from its incubator environment, while distinguishing at the same time between confronting violence and supressing freedoms.
"There has to be a national project to eliminate poverty, which is one of the main causes of terrorism, and (there must be a) moderate religious discourse. The rule of law has to be established," he added.
Sabbahi said smear campaigns against him targeted the revolution. "If I win the elections, that means the poor has become president," he said.
Sabbahi claimed that amending the Constitution articles in dispute is not a part of his platform or priorities but said that it is a possibility at the same time.
"My duty is not to amend the Constitution but I will use it well to achieve better results," Sabbahi said.
"Ethiopia will be the first African country I visit if I become president, and Brazil or any other Latin American country will be the first western country I visit," Sabbahi mentioned.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Masry
