Morsi detained

The MENA news agency said the ousted  Mohammed Morsi has been detained for 15 days for investigation into charges he collaborated with Hamas during his escape from jail in 2011. He can be held for longer.

The announcement came hours before mass protests were set to take place across the nation in response to a call by military chief Gen. Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi for a show of popular support for his anticipated crackdown on Morsi’s supporters and radicals loyal to the ousted leader who have been attacking security forces in the strategic Sinai Peninsula.

The military and the police have pledged to protect Friday’s protesters, and the army deployed tens of thousands of troops across the country, supported by armor and helicopters.

The MENA news agency said Morsi has been detained for 15 days pending the completion of the investigation into the accusations. His detention can be extended as the inquiry continues. The news agency indicated that Morsi has already been interrogated.

Egypt’s military, which views Hamas as a threat to Egypt’s national security, has been holding Morsi in an undisclosed location since deposing him.

The MENA report said Morsi was being investigated over allegations of collaborating with Hamas “to carry out anti-state acts, attacking police stations, army officers and storming prisons, setting fire to one prison and enabling inmates to flee, including himself, as well as premeditated killing of officers, soldiers and prisoners.”

R.S