Former ministers call for removal and trial of Al-Sisi

A number of former ministers and parliamentarians in Egypt have called for President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to be removed from office and put on trial “for the crimes that he has committed”. Issued in the wake of the assassination of the country’s top prosecutor and attacks which have left at least 50 soldiers dead in Sinai, the group’s statement condemns “all acts of terrorism, whoever the perpetrator.”

“Together, we mourn the loss of patriotic sons and daughters – soldiers, civilians, women and children – who are killed every day,” the statement said. “The removal and trial of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for the crimes he has committed is no longer a demand of coup opponents alone.” It has, the group added, become a loud, popular demand after Al-Sisi has “pushed the country to the edge of the abyss and subjected its people and army to humiliation.”

The “coup commander’s arrogance,” it is claimed, has put Egypt’s national security in great danger. “He has mismanaged the country’s affairs, is oppressing and terrorising the people, slamming shut the doors of dialogue and reconciliation, and gambling with the future of Egypt and the Egyptians.”

The statement is signed by Dr Ayman Nour, the leader of Ghad El-Thawra Party; Dr Tharwat Nafie, a parliamentarian and university professor; Hatem Azzam, parliamentarian and Vice President of Al-Wassat Party; Dr Tarek AlZumar, the President of the Building and Development Party; Dr Amr Darrag, a former Minister of Planning and International Co-operation; Dr Mohamed Mahsoub, a former Minister of Parliament Affairs and a university professor; Dr Maha Azzam, the head of the Egyptian Revolutionary Council; and Yehia Hamed, a former Minister of Investment.

“We call upon the Egyptian people,” they proclaimed, “all parties, civil society organisations and institutions, to join hands in the face of this mindless military-controlled regime and the junta’s conspicuous madness, to save Egypt and achieve its people’s legitimate demands for freedom, a decent living and social justice.”