Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood leader Beltagi
Senior Muslim Brotherhood official Mohamed El-Beltagi (C) stands at a police station after being arrested by security forces in Giza, south of Cairo, in this Egyptian Interior Ministry handout picture provided on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Leading Muslim Brotherhood figure Mohammed al-Beltagi has been arrested, according to Egyptian officials.
Beltagi, secretary-general of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), is accused of inciting violence, state media said.
Prosecutors had ordered his arrest on 10 July.
It comes as Egypt's military moves against Brotherhood leaders following the ousting of former President Mohammed Morsi.
Despite the arrest order, Beltagi had appeared on an almost daily basis at the Rabaa al-Adawiyah sit-in in Cairo occupied by supporters of Morsi. The former MP was often seen delivering fiery speeches on the stage.
Hundreds of people died earlier this month when security forces stormed protest camps in the capital.
Much of the criticism of the Brotherhood in Egypt's media has focused on Beltagi, who is accused of being behind acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by Brotherhood members.
Egyptian state-run news agency Mena quoted a security official saying it was likely he would be held at Cairo's Tora prison.
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