CAIRO: The Muslim Brotherhood’s leader turned on his accusers yesterday when he appeared in court for the first time since he was arrested following the army’s overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.
“Why aren’t you investigating the killing of my son, and the burning of my house and the group’s offices?” Mohamed Badie asked of the judge, referring to his 38-year-old son killed in August, when the crackdown on the group was at its bloodiest.
Badie, the Brotherhood’s general guide, said the Islamist movement had perpetrated no violence, as his trial began at a police academy where Mursi went on trial last month. They were his first public remarks since his arrest on August 20.
He faces charges that include inciting violence during a Brotherhood sit-in at Cairo University in mid-July.
Most Brotherhood leaders have been arrested since the army deposed Mursi on July 3 after mass protests against his rule. Mursi is accused of inciting the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace a year ago. His trial began on November 4.
Badie appeared with Islamist politicians including Essam Al Erian and Mohamed Al Beltagi who are charged in the same case.
Badie’s trial was adjourned until February 11.reuters
