Egyptian security beefed up ahead of Rabaa anniversary

Strict security measures are being enforced nationwide in preparation for 14 August, the second anniversary of the violent dispersal of two pro-Morsi sit-ins, state-owned news agency MENA reported Thursday.

“Any attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood to attack policemen or any unusual acts will be faced with assertive and quick confrontation,” a security official told MENA.

Security forces are being deployed in and around main streets, in addition to the presence of mobile security patrols.

Friday 14 August will mark the second anniversary of pro-Morsi sit-ins at Rabaa Al-Adawiya and Nahda Square in Cairo.

The sit-ins, which ended in a bloody dispersal by security forces, took place a month after the ouster of the Islamist president.

According to the National Council for Human Rights a total of 632 people had been killed during the dispersal, including eight police officers. The dispersal also left 1,492 injured and saw 800 people arrested, according to the report.

During the anniversary, the ministry will ensure the security of its citizens and protect all public properties, such as Egyptian Media Production City, the ministry buildings, power stations, and all prisons located throughout Egypt, the official added.

The source went on to say that the minister of interior has stressed the importance of combatting terrorism by increasing strikes on terrorist targets.

Pro-Morsi groups, whose momentum has severely dropped since the summer of 2013, called for nationwide rallies on Friday to mark the deadly events.

Egypt’s Islamist president Mohamed Morsi was ousted in July after mass protests against him.

In 2013, the Egyptian government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a “terrorist organization.”

Last July, the Egyptian government decided to change the name of Rabaa Al-Adawyia Square to Hisham Barakat, the late public prosecutor, who was assassinated on the eve of 30 June.
source:Ahram online