Despite Al-Sisi’s words on respecting political diversity and differences, Egypt’s opposition was attacked by thugs during Ramadan party.
Egyptian opposition figures said Wednesday that assailants attacked a Ramadan party they hosted in Cairo, pelting them with plates and water bottles while chanting “long live Egypt!” the slogan of supporters of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The outdoor iftar, a feast marking the end of the daily dawn-to-dusk fast during the holy month, was hosted by the Civil Democratic Movement, a coalition of secular and left-leaning parties that had called for a boycott of Egypt’s March presidential election.
Al-Sisi won a second term after several potentially strong candidates were arrested or pressured into withdrawing.
When al-Sisi was sworn for a second term, he said,”I assure you that accepting the other and creating common spaces between us will be my biggest concern to achieve consensus, social peace and real political development in addition to our economic development.”
He also added, “I will not exclude anyone from this common space except those who chose violence, terrorism, and extremist thought as a way to impose their will.”
Members of the opposition group said several people were lightly wounded, and posted pictures online showing overturned tables and food strewn across the ground.
Khaled Dawoud, leader of the opposition Constitution Party, who attended the gathering, said around 10 people sitting at a separate table attacked the iftar.
Zaree said most of the 70 guests at the iftar were chased out of the club by the attackers, who screamed “spies” and “traitors” while punching and kicking them.
Rights activists say Egyptian authorities have a long history of recruiting plainclothes thugs to attack protesters and opposition figures, a practice that allows officials to later deny involvement.
Al-Sisi has overseen an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands of critics. He has also rolled back freedoms gained in the wake of the 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, placing draconian restrictions on rights groups, banning unauthorized demonstrations and blocking dozens of independents news websites.
The government stepped up the crackdown in recent weeks, arresting several high-profile bloggers and activists.
Al-Sisi defended the conduct of the election in an address to another iftar party Tuesday night, saying the turnout showed that Egyptians “have a strong will which will prevail over everyone.”
“No one can cast doubt on any activity, operation or measure during the election,” he added.
