MB: Our participation in protests would escalate violence, vandalism

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) issued a statement regarding the Tahrir incidents, assuring the protesters in Tahrir Square and in different governorates' squares were provoked by the violent assault of the police. The statement said the protesters are patriotic and noble; assaulting them is a criminal action. The MB justified their rejection of the protest, saying their participation would escalate the violence and vandalism, which could lead to a coup against the Egyptian January 25 Revolution's principles. "If we were keen to gain the popularity among Egyptians, we would have joined the protesters in Tahrir these days. But we did not despite the lurking opponents and those who do not know much critics," the MB said in its statement. They want to have the elections on its scheduled time, not because they want to acquire many votes, but to realize the first the step in democracy and establish Egypt’s institutions. The MB said all responsible of killing protesters should undergo trial and be punished. They also said the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Ali al-Selmy and both Ministers of Interior and Media should be dismissed since they caused the public anger.