Morsi must be released: SA govt

The South African government called on Tuesday for the release of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi.

   

"South Africa joins the call by the international community for the unconditional release of president Morsi and all other political prisoners held in detention since the unconstitutional change of government on 3 July," said international relations spokesman Clayson Monyela. 

   

"Furthermore, the government of South Africa also calls on all parties to refrain from acts of violence and retribution."

 

Monyela said government was concerned about the deaths of people  in Egypt protesting against the unconstitutional removal of Morsi, who was the country's elected president.

   

"The South African government calls on all relevant parties to engage in an inclusive political process that would lead to constitutional normality."

   

Morsi was deposed on July 3 in a coup after massive protests against his rule, and has not been seen publicly since then.

   

His supporters have rallied for his reinstatement and marched from a sit-in in Cairo to several security headquarters on Monday, reported the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).

   

It reported that European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton was to meet Morsi early on Tuesday.

   

According to AFP, the marches raised fears of fresh clashes, after 82 people, including a policeman, died in a pro-Morsi rally in Cairo on Saturday.

   

-Sapa