Former MP arrested over “inciting violence”

CAIRO - 12 June 2017: A former parliamentarian was arrested Monday in Aswan on charges on inciting the overthrow of state institutions and inciting demonstrations, according to a judicial source.


Mohamed el-Omda was elected to Parliament for the city of Komb Ombo in Aswan in November 2011. He was a member of the majority led by the Freedom and Justice Party, the Muslim Brotherhood’s political wing, until the parliament was dissolved in January 2012.


Omda was arrested with two bags containing cash, four Rabaa signs, Muslim Brotherhood books and pamphlets, two telephones, a laptop and “incendiary” publications.


A judicial source said Omda was arrested from his home in Komb Ombo and was transferred to Aswan under “very strict” security measures. The Bar Association of Egypt was instructed to start investigations immediately at the headquarters of the security forces, due to security reasons.


The former MP faces several charges, including "inciting violence, spreading rumors that disturb public order, calling for demonstrations against the current regime without a permit and stirring riots."


On his twitter account, Omda criticized Egypt’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar last week.