Watan – In a bold move, Egyptian presidential candidate Ahmed El-Tantawi released a strongly-worded statement directed at his supporters and the current regime of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The message conveyed his unwavering determination to continue his political journey, even if it costs him his life. This comes in response to the security forces’ arrest of several members of his election campaign team and some of his supporters.
El-Tantawi took to platform “X” (formerly known as Twitter) to share his “Statement to the Great Egyptian People.” He expressed his concerns about the escalating unlawful and unethical actions by the security forces against his election campaign. These actions began the moment he announced his candidacy for the presidency and have involved various forms of violations and crimes.
He pointed out that security forces have recently arrested, detained, and forcibly disappeared a significant number of his campaign volunteers. They have also levied repetitive, stereotypical charges against six of them so far, leading to their preventive detention by the Supreme State Security Prosecution.
El-Tantawi emphasized that these actions coincide with a centrally orchestrated campaign, involving many known as mere mouthpieces for the authority. These individuals have been continuously launching baseless attacks against him for years, actions that warrant legal accountability.
In his statement, El-Tantawi stressed that he, along with his more than 16,000 volunteer members and those supporting his peaceful campaign to save Egypt, are resolutely committed to their peaceful struggle. He affirmed that he would continue his journey “to its end or to my end.” He expressed confidence that brave Egyptians would not succumb to intimidation or coercion.
El-Tantawi also sent a clear message to the security forces, reminding them that their duty is to serve the nation and its citizens, not any particular individual, regardless of their position. He urged them to learn from history, as history doesn’t repeat itself, but humans repeat mistakes, leading to even harsher consequences.
Regarding the state’s institutions and their apparent bias towards President El-Sisi, El-Tantawi emphasized that they have a historic opportunity to demonstrate their neutrality and independence. He called for the release of all detained members of his campaign and his supporters. He also urged the Egyptian justice system to fulfill its duties and set a limit for those who tarnish his reputation through fabrication and distortion.