Dozens of demonstrators took to the streets of Marsa Matrouh during Friday prayers today demanding the dismissal of the governor.
On the occasion of President Mohamed Morsy’s visit to the city, the activists carried banners reading “Down with the governor” and set up a tent beside the Al-Tan’eem Mosque where Morsy was scheduled to perform prayers.
The city has witnessed strict security measures in advance of Morsy’s visit. Republican guard forces and police cars surround the mosque, which is located on the Corniche.
As local residents came to the mosque to pray, they had to line up to pass through four electronic gates set up at the entrances.
After Friday prayers, Morsy is scheduled to meet with tribal leaders at the Marsa Matrouh Palace of Culture, then give a speech to city residents.
Next, the president is set to visit Sidi al-Barrani in the Western Military Region.
The state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper said on Thursday that 16 coalitions and revolutionary movements have staged a sit-in outside the Marsa Matrouh governorate headquarters for 28 days. They are demanding the dismissal of Governor Taha Mohamed al-Sayed and 23 other officials due to mismanagement and other unresolved problems.
These protests have been ongoing since the Morsy administration’s reshuffling of the nation’s governors earlier this year, according to the privately owned Al-Watan newspaper.
Sayed served Marsa Matrouh’s governor under the Supreme Council of Armed Forces and was not included in the recent reshuffle.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
