Morsi supporters plan to ‘paralyze’ Cairo

Cairo braced itself on Monday morning as supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi announced plans to “paralyze” the city by blocking its main roads, rejecting what they call a “military coup” and demanding Morsi’s return to the president’s office.

On its official Facebook page, the Freedom and Justice Party — the Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm— called on protesters to congregate at Rabea al-Adaweya Mosque, Nahda Square, Giza Square, Ramses Square and the October 6 Bridge.

Protesters are expected to block the October 6 Bridge from both directions, as well as the Ring Road and the July 26 Axis.    

The Freedom and Justice Party’s Facebook page urged residents of these areas to mobilize and prevent any cars from going through, except “in the case of an emergency.”

Brotherhood figures have denied reports of any negotiations with the army in regards to their ongoing protests — which have sometimes turned deadly — in the aftermath of Morsi’s July 3 ouster. In press statements, MB spokesperson Gehad al-Haddad claimed there were no direct or indirect negotiations between leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Armed Forces, while reiterating the group’s demand for Morsi’s reinstatement.

Essam al-Erian, deputy of the Freedom and Justice Party, also denied having any discussions with the army, despite attempts by Major General Mohamed al-Assar and other “respectable” mediators to engage his party in dialogue, he claimed.