Skip to main content

Why Al-Azhar sides with Sisi against protests

Al-Azhar has condemned the recent anti-government protests in Egypt, raising questions on whether it was under pressure to issue a statement in support of the state.
An Egyptian national flag flutters over Cairo's Tahrir Square on January 24, 2016, on the eve of the anniversary of the 2011 uprising. - On January 25, 2011, massive protests against president Hosni Mubarak erupt after a revolt topples Tunisia's ruler in what becomes known as the Arab Spring. On February 1, more than a million demonstrators take to the streets in the country, with a great flood of people congregating in Tahrir Square. (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI / AFP)        (Photo credit should read KHALED D

CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has warned against attempts to “destroy Egypt” following recent rare anti-government protests. 

Speaking at the Sept. 27 inauguration of an oil refining complex in the Mostorod region of the Qalyubia governorate, Sisi said there are individuals exploiting the poverty and financial difficulties that citizens are suffering to convince them that they are enduring unfair treatment, and to question the achievements of the state. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.