Egypt Islamists fail to draw large numbers in Friday protests

Egyptian riot police parked near the main access to Cairo\'s landmark Tahrir Square Cairo – Akram Ali , Mohammed Al Dawi Supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi failed to bring out huge numbers against the army on Friday as security forces continued to arrest leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood. Those calling for the Islamist president’s reinstatement held scattered protests across Cairo, in a sign that the Brotherhood\'s support base is dwindling.
The day was dubbed Friday of Martyrs, but Islamists in groups of hundreds chanted against the military held up posters of Morsi on side streets and outside mosques.
At least one person was killed in clashes in the Delta city of Tanta, but there was no major fighting.
The biggest rally took place in Cairo\'s Nasr City district, and larger rallies taking over main streets and squares failed to materialise, with armored vehicles and soldiers being deployed outside mosques.
On Thursday, a number of Brotherhood figures were arrested, including the group’s official spokesman Ahmed Aref.
The arrests follow Tuesday’s arrest of Mohammed Badie, the group’s spiritual guide.
Aref was arrested in Nasr City in east Cairo, on Thursday and has so far been detained for 15 days.
Hassan el-Prince and Fathi Shehab were also arrested in Cairo, Egyptian news website Ahram Online reported. El-Prince, who was arrested while participating in a pro-Morsi demonstration, is a leading member of the Brotherhood and was deputy governor of the city of Alexandria. Shehab, a former lawmaker for the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party was arrested in an apartment in New Cairo.
Security sources also announced the arrest of member of the Brotherhood’s guidance bureau and former MP Ahmed Abu-Baraka.
Mostafa Taher Ghoneim, another member of the guidance bureau and a leader of the organisation for the Nile Delta region, was also arrested on Thursday.
Outside Cairo, in the Nile Delta governorate of Beheira, Brotherhood official Mohamed Nagui was arrested and charged with acts of violence including the burning of the governorate building and several police vehicles.
The National Alliance to Support Legitimacy, consisting of 33 Islamic parties, including the Muslim Brotherhood, called on all Egyptians on Wednesday to protest after Friday prayers.
In response, the Ministry of Endowments decided to prevent Friday prayers in Fath mosque in Cairo’s Ramses Square and al-Nour mosque in the Abbasiya district of Cairo, both scenes of large demonstrations in the past.