Mahmoud Atteyah, founder of a campaign supporting the head of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi for presidency, demanded legal measures be taken against MP Ziad al-Elaimy for insulting Tantawi during his visit to Port Said on Friday.
In a message to Tantawi, Atteyah said, “Waiving your right is an insult to the people. Your silence and patience doesn’t work. Talking about freedom and democracy doesn’t work with those who don’t understand who the real opponent is.”
He also said, “We envy you and the rest of the SCAF's members for your patience.” He called on the SCAF to reconsider the methods they use to deal with political forces and members of Parliament.
Atteyah also called on People’s Assembly Speaker Saad al-Katatny and the members to form a committee to investigate Elaimy for insulting Tantawi, inciting against the SCAF and not following parliamentary rules about criticizing officials.
MP Mostafa Bakry said on Sunday in Parliament what Elaimy said about Tantawi undermines the SCAF. He demanded Elaimy be investigated for insulting Tantawi.
Several members tried to respond after Bakry had spoken, but Katatny did not allow anyone to speak on Elaimy’s behalf, saying he will allow him to speak when he arrives.
Citizens have become increasingly disillusioned with the SCAF's governing of the country's transitional period, due to recurrent episodes of bloodshed, the decline of the economy, a security vacuum and the detention of citizens for opinions expressed on TV and on the internet.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
