The Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the detention of 30 suspects for 15 days, pending investigation into the assassination attempts of former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa and Assistant Top Prosecutor Zakaria Abdel Aziz Othman.
According to investigations, the defendants belong to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group and formed secret cells to plot for the assassination of public figures and for attacks against state institutions, acting upon incitement from fugitive group members abroad.
The suspects are charged with forming a terrorist organization that aims to: disable the Constitution and the law; prevent state institutions and public authorities from exercising their duties; as well as threatening the public rights and freedoms, personal freedom of citizens and social peace.
They have been charged as well with the possession of unlicensed weapons and explosives.
Gomaa survived another assassination attempt leaving one bodyguard in hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot after a gun-battle with Islamist terrorists.
That attack occurred at noon as Gomaa left his home in 6 October City for Friday prayers.
Eyewitness Mamdouh Saad told Al-Masry Al-Youm that four masked gunmen parked their car near Gomaa's villa and waited for him to go out for Friday prayers. Three of the gunmen shot at Gomaa as he reached the villa's front garden, while the fourth held a camera to record the incident.
Gomaa was apparently unhurt in the incident, although he later told journalists that a bystander had been injured.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
