Muslim Brotherhood banned as Egyptian court seizes party's funds

Cairo court orders overthrown Islamist group to be shut down

Pro-Muslim Brotherhood protestors shout slogans during a demonstration in front of the group's headquarters in Moqattam district, Cairo. (EPA)

The political party responsible for Egypt’s first democratically elected president – the ousted Mohammed Morsi – has been banned by a court in Egypt.

The Cairo administrative court said the group, which was legalised in 2011 after the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, would have its funds, buildings and assets confiscated by the interim government, until after any appeal had been heard.

The ruling arrived following a suit raised by the National Progressive Unionist Party, a left-wing group which has called the Brotherhood “terrorist” and accused it of “exploiting religion in political slogans.”

Military authorities have also been involved in a crackdown on the group since Mohammed Morsi was deposed from his position as president on 3 July.

According to official Egyptian news agency MENA, the Cairo court “ruled to ban all activities by the Muslim Brotherhood organisation, the group emanating from it and its non-governmental organisation”.

The verdict reportedly outlaws groups that cooperate with the Muslim Brotherhood or receive financial benefits from it. The court also said an independent committee would be formed by the Cabinet to manage the group’s assets until final court orders are issued.

The group is expected to appeal the verdict. Leading member Ibrahim Moneir called the move a “totalitarian decision”.

The Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed for most of its 85 year existence before becoming legalised in 2011 and then in March 2013 registering as a non-governmental organisation.

The group’s ex-leader Mohammed Morsi is currently awaiting trial for allegedly inciting his supporters to kill peaceful demonstrators protesting outside his palace during his time in power.