Egypt’s Rassd media network has challenged the editor of Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper to publish in full its interview with General Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The challenge was made after the newspaper accused Rassd of taking comments made by the coup leader out of context. The Defence Minister, claimed Rassd, was filmed trying to strengthen his position in the re-drafted constitution.
The network has published a new leaked recording of an interview conducted by pro-regime Al-Masry Al-Youm where Al-Sisi is heard saying that former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi had twisted a mutual conversation to run for the presidency. The military chief behind the coup is also heard saying that many of those who have expressed their intention to run for president have done so because he has not yet announced his own position.
Following YouTube’s decision to remove the clip after pressure from the newspaper, Rassd accused the international media of complicity in the suppression of freedom in Egypt. It also said that it demonstrates the veracity of the clip in question.
A number of leaks have shown Al-Sisi making efforts to control the Egyptian media and have his position as defence minister protected by the constitution in the event that he does not become president. According to anti-coup activists, the leaks confirm Al-Sisi’s intention to run for president of the republic.