Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website

Top Muslim Brotherhood defense lawyer, Abdel Moneim Abdel-Maqsoud, maintained that since the announcement of the group’s decision, on  October 9, to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections in November 2010, there has been an escalation in  nationwide security sweeps against MB members  and leaders.

The campaigns have targeted MB enterprises and private property affecting their livelihoods.
 
In a statement to Ikhwanweb, Abdul Maqsoud stressed that during the short period following the announcement 361 Brotherhood members have been brought before prosecution, which ordered the continued detention of 205 political detainees.

Furthermore, over 106 establishments employing hundreds of individuals have also been raided.
 
Abdul Maqsoud pointed out that the raids carry a loud and clear message revealing the real intentions of the government to rig the upcoming parliamentary elections, and to prevent the opposition, led by the MB, to participate in the electoral process.

He confirmed that the government is still continuing its clampdown on the MB in particular and the opposition in general in an effort to thwart any attempts and to communicate effectively with the public, fearing the Brotherhood's ability to influence and push them to claim their rights. He emphasized that this in turn would affect the NDP’s success and the distribution of seats in parliament. 

Abdul Maqsoud condemned the regime’s tilting of the scales claiming that while the MB is being targeted, NDP candidates are conducting conferences and posting banners freely.

He confirmed, however, that despite attempts by the regime to thwart MB efforts, the group will continue to defend the interests and rights of the Egyptian people, in order to safeguard the future of the younger generation. He added that the MB will follow its cause in the face of the National Party, which seeks to monopolize the Egyptian political arena.