Leading Egyptian government authorities told police on Wednesday to take whatever steps were necessary to end the days-long sit-ins and protests that have marked Cairo since former President Mohammed Morsi was ousted, in early July.
The cabinet issued a statement to take “necessary measures” to break up the rallies and send the protesters – viewed as threats to national security — packing, Agence France-Presse reported.
“The continuation of the dangerous situation in Rabaa al-Adawiya and Nahda squares, and consequent terrorism and road blockages are no longer acceptable given the threat to nation security,” the statement read, AFP reported.
Cabinet members then tasked police with finding a way to curb the rallies.
Supporters of Mr. Morsi have flocked the streets of Egypt since the military staged a coup against him, July 3. They refuse to accept the newly seated president as legitimate and vow that the Muslim Brotherhood-backed Mr. Morsi will once again serve as leader. They also say the government has wrongfully detained Mr. Morsi, who was just sentenced to 15 days of incarceration for his role in breaking out of jail in 2011.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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