A large numbers of Shafiq supporters came from Cairo and other governorates to inspect his campaign headquarters and check on the officials and the workflow, after the place was set ablaze on Monday by demonstrators opposing his candidacy.
“Shafiq told us to evacuate the building and refrain from clashing with the protesters so as to avoid human casualties” Mohamed al-Abasiry, a campaign member told Al-Masry Al-Youm. “They aimed to terrorize citizens so that they do not vote for him.”
“We are determined to continue campaigning, and this incident had a positive impact,” he added.
Prosecutors in the Giza neighborhood of Dokki have begun questioning 10 suspects over a fire at presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq’s campaign headquarters late Monday, according to security sources.
Nahla al-Sayed, member of the campaign, said the officials would soon meet to find an alternative place.
Security forces, assisted by military police, have also arrested four others who security forces said object to Shafiq’s qualification for the runoff phase of the presidential election, scheduled to be held on 16 and 17 June.
Investigations have quoted witnesses who accuse the suspects of hurling Molotov cocktails at the campaign office, causing it to catch on fire. Public Prosecution inspections showed that the assailants smashed the building’s windows and threw computer and television sets out of them.
Prosecutors have also summoned five witnesses, as well as Shafiq campaigners who showed up at the scene after the office caught fire.
Security forces have cordoned off the area until the investigation concludes.
Meanwhile, sources from the campaign said losses exceeded LE2.5 million, state-run news service MENA reported.
Shafiq’s success in the first round last week has enraged revolutionary and political forces who object to his candidacy because of his affiliation with the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak.
The Presidential Elections Commission declared Monday that Shafiq would face Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Morsy in the runoff.
