Egyptian interim PM proposes Muslim Brotherhood's dissolution amid turmoil

CAIRO - Reuters

Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi shout slogans during protest outside Al-Fath Mosque in Ramses square in Cairo, Aug. 16. REUTERS photo

Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi has proposed the legal dissolution of the Muslim Brotherhood and the government is studying the idea, a government spokesman said.

According to the health ministry, 173 people died on Aug. 16 in violence that erupted when security forces cracked down on Islamists protesting against the army's removal of Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi last month.

Beblawi had made the proposal to the minister of social affairs - the ministry responsible for licensing non-governmental organisations, spokesman Sherif Shawky said. "It is being studied currently," he said.

The Brotherhood was dissolved by Egypt's military rulers in 1954, but registered itself as a non-governmental organisation in March in a response to a court case brought by opponents of the group who were contesting its legality.

The Brotherhood, founded in 1928, also has a legally registered political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, which was set up in 2011 after the uprising that led to the downfall of veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

"Reconciliation is there for those who hands are not sullied with blood," Shawky said.