Beblawi: Law not to be ignored over Brotherhood proclamation as terrorist group

Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem Al-Beblawi said on Sunday the recent government decision proclaiming Muslim Brotherhood as a "terrorist group" does not mean that the law would be set aside. In TV remarks, he said nobody could be punished unless the Public Prosecution made a relevant decision, Egypt's official news agency (MENA) reported. He said a recent decision impounding the assets of the Muslim Brotherhood was taken on the basis that "the group committed terrorist acts." On reported ministerial splits over the decision proclaiming Muslim Brotherhood as a "terrorist group", Al-Beblawi said: "All cabinet members are agreed on the necessity of taking a crucial decision considering the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group." However, he rejected claims accusing the Interior Ministry of failing to do a good job in protecting state facilities and preventing attacks. On university protests, the premier said: "What is happening in universities is a normal thing as the Muslim Brotherhood has put itself in a severe crisis that has rendered it fiercer than ever." On a planned public referendum for the constitution on January 14-15, he said high polling would surely ensure a successful democratic experiment.