In Egypt, Hundreds Accused Of Espionage, Having Weapons
In a widespread "anti-terrorism campaign," the Egyptian police has started going after members and relatives of the Brotherhood — and after liberals, as well.
Hundreds of members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egypt’s deposed president, Mohammed Morsi, have been detained the last couple of weeks, accused of inciting or participating in violence.
However, according to eyewitnesses in Cairo and Alexandria, the police are also detaining liberals, revolutionaries and civilians who might have relatives within the Muslim Brotherhood.
A few days ago, Ahmed Sharin was standing on his balcony in Zamalek, a neighborhood in Cairo, when he saw two 17-year-old girls being arrested for carrying weapons. Police men threw them in a car and drove them to the police station. He didn’t know the girls, but according to him, they were just walking around.
"They probably thought those girls participated in the Muslim Brotherhood protests. This happens a lot lately. Everybody who showed their faces during protests might be a terrorist. It reminds me of a witch hunt," he told Al-Monitor.
