Egypt confirms investigation against ousted president Morsi
Egypt’s top prosecutors announced Saturday they’re looking into criminal charges against deposed president Mohamed Morsi, including spying, despite continued calls from supporters for his release.
The prosecutor’s office said it received complaints against Morsi that included attacks against the state, inciting killings of protesters and damaging the economy, Reuters reported.
Under Egyptian law, prosecutors can investigate complaints from the police or the public.
Reuters said the prosecutor’s office is preparing to interview those under investigation, including Morsi and eight other Islamist leaders.
In that list are Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and the deputy leader of its political party, Essam El-Erian.
On Friday, prosecutors said that Morsi is also under investigation for his 2011 escape from prison during the uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak as part of the Arab Spring.
The Independent said Morsi is suspected of receiving help from Hamas in Palestine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah to escape prison alongside 30 others.
Morsi was Egypt’s first freely elected president, but he was removed by the military on July 3. He’s being held in an undisclosed location.
More from GlobalPost: US calls for release of Egypt's Morsi, Cairo braces for protests (VIDEO)
Despite investigations swirling around Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood, supporters are undaunted.
Thousands staged rallies in Cairo on Friday and promise more on Monday, Agence France-Presse reported.
Also on Saturday, lawmakers reaffirmed their demands for Morsi’s release despite a disbanded parliament, the Associated Press reported.
The Islamist politicians and members of the Shura Council called the military leadership “corrupt and dictatorial,” the AP said.
Steps toward a new government continue regardless.
Egypt’s new Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi held talks with candidates for ministerial posts, AFP said.
He’s looking to fill 30 cabinet positions to restore law, prepare for elections and kick-start the economy.
More from GlobalPost: After crackdown, is the Muslim Brotherhood fighting for survival?
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