Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood (MB) opposition movement has accused supporters of a parliamentary candidate for the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) of trying to kill the leader of the MB's parliamentary bloc, Mohamed Saad al-Katatni.
In a press statement, al-Katatni's office accused supporters of Shadi Aboul Ela–al-Katatni's NDP rival for the professional seat in the Bandar al-Minya constituency–of attempting to assassinate the MB parliamentary head. According to the statement, 70 thugs were hired by security personnel to kill al-Katatni using chains, clubs and knives.
On Monday, nine people, including one child, were injured in clashes between supporters of the two candidates. Al-Kitatni's car and those of his lawyers were also damaged when rival supporters pelted each other with stones.
The incident took place as al-Katatni was campaigning in the Upper Egyptian city of Minya.
Aboul Ela's followers reportedly demanded that al-Katatni cease campaigning near Aboul Ela's campaign headquarters. Clashes ensued soon afterward.
According to informed sources, four al-Katatni supporters and five Aboul Ela supporters were injured in the melee.
After security forces had pacified the situation, Al-Katatni filed a formal complaint against his rival at the Minya Police Department.
Aboul Ela, for his part, says his supporters had asked al-Katatni partisans to leave the area after the latter began chanting religious slogans in violation of electoral campaign regulations. But al-Katatni's supporters rejected the request, Abou Ela claims, and instead began attacking his followers.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
