Muslim Brotherhood leader dies in Egyptian prison

A leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood and former Member of Parliament Dr Farid Ismail has passed away after suffering a stroke yesterday while being held in an Egyptian prison.

The Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, accused prison authorities of neglect because they did not transfer him to hospital immediately which led to the rapid deterioration of his health.

Ismail was arrested in September 2013 and sentenced in July 2014 on alleged charges of inciting violence in the Sharkia governorate following the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Ismail’s death provoked angry reactions from activists on social networking site who said his passing reduces the chances for reconciliation between the Muslim Brotherhood and the current regime.