The Brotherhood rallies to Morsi's side after mass opposition demonstrations

Published November 25th, 2012 - 12:37 GMT
Morsi rallies his supporters
Morsi rallies his supporters

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood called for protests across the country on Sunday to support President Mohammad Morsi as he tries to face down a nationwide backlash against a controversial decree that grants him extensive new powers. 

The call for protest came after Egypt's top judges publicly condemned the leader's new powers, calling Thursday's decree a "ferocious attack on Egyptian justice." After several hours of emergency talks, the Judges Club called for "the suspension of work in all courts and prosecution administrations."

While opposition grows, the Brotherhood have rallied to support the president and issued a statement calling on its members to hold demonstrations after Sunday's afternoon prayers in all of Egypt's main cities.

Earlier on Sunday morning, the activists who have been camped out in Cairo's Tahrir Square, fought off an attempt by Morsi supporters to burn down their tents, a witness said. 

As the president's opponents continue their sit-in, many fear further clashes between the two groups. Reports from opposition groups suggested a further demonstration planned for Tuesday.

The Muslim Brotherhood has now called for a "million man" demonstration for the same day on Abdeen Square. 

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