Defense Minister and Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said that protesters at Rabaa al-Adaweya Square are “our brothers and we should be patient with them,” referring to a weeks-long sit-in demanding the reinstatement of president Mohamed Morsy whom Sisi removed from office earlier this month.
The general’s remarks were made to reporters following a ministerial meeting on Sunday. He also praised the Armed Forces for their efforts against terrorism in Sinai.
The removal of Morsy has severely divided the nation as Morsy’s Islamist backers continue to demonstrate in Cairo and other provinces for his return, labelling the army’s move a “military coup.”
Sisi had said in an earlier address to army leaders that the removal of Morsy was enacted in response to popular demands.
Morsy supporters have been increasingly indignant of the military due to alleged instances of violence against them. They accuse the army of killing more than 50 supporters of the ousted leader outside the Republican Guard headquarters, where Morsy is thought to be confined. The army denies the accusation, saying officers shot at terrorists who attempted to break into the facility.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
