Egypt arrests pro-Morsi leaders ahead of anniversary

Egyptian police today arrested four Islamist leaders who back Mohamed Morsi, two days ahead of protests their alliance has called to mark the first anniversary of his ouster, officials said.
Since the military deposed Morsi on July 3 last year, the authorities have waged a brutal crackdown on his supporters that has seen more than 1,400 people killed in street clashes and over 15,000 jailed.
Magdy Hussein, a leader of the Anti-Coup Alliance that has spearheaded protests demanding Morsi's reinstatement, was arrested at dawn at his house, the security officials said.
He faces charges of inciting violence and threatening national security and stability.

Also detained was Nasr Abdel Salam, head of the Building and Development party which forms part of the alliance and the political arm of ex-Islamic militant group Gamaa Islamiya.
Two other leaders of the party were also arrested.

The Anti-Coup Alliance condemned the arrests as "kidnappings" and renewed its call for pro-Morsi protests during a "day of rage" on Thursday, marking the first anniversary of his ouster.
Former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi led the ouster of Morsi after millions rallied against the Islamist's divisive one-year rule.
Sisi himself became Egypt's president after winning a May election in a landslide.

Since Morsi's ouster, his supporters led by the alliance have staged regular protests against the new authorities, but their rallies have shrunk amid the brutal government crackdown.
Hundreds of Morsi supporters have already been sentenced to death after speedy trials.