Political leaders fear protests could lead to more violence in Egypt Egyptian opposition groups are uncertain about Islamist calls for anti-violence demonstrations. Islamic groups have backed plans to organise a demonstration renouncing violence, while other parties have stressed the need to focus on "saving the country."
Egypt's National Salvation Front (NSF) member Ibrahim Nawar said that Islamic parties have the right to organise demonstrations "as long as they are peaceful."
He called on Islamic leaders to condemn the violence committed by the security forces against protesters in recent demonstrations, blaming them for clashes outside Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court. Nawar said that Islamic groups had developed a violent streak in 1970s, and accused them of assassinating former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981.
Member of Free Egyptians party Hussien Haridy said that planned demonstrations would not help the "current situation." He added that Egyptian parties need to work together to overcome insecurity and economic difficulties.
Leading member of al-Wasat party, Amr Farouk said that his party would adopt an initiative to conduct dialogue between the different parties and suspend demonstrations that could lead to more violent confrontations.
Several prominent Islamic figures are likely to participate in Friday's anti-violence demonstrations. Islamic leader Essam Derbala explained that the demonstrations are to speak out against violence which has shown no sign of dying down. He accused National Salvation Front of supporting aggression and warned that continuous clashes could destroy the Egyptian state.
Muslim Brotherhood spokesperson Ahmed Aref said that the ruling group would participate in the protests, but would not be encouraging their supporters to follow suit.