Prominent reform-minded Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leader Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh on Tuesday announced his resignation from the group nearly five days after he announced his intention to establish a new party and run in the upcoming presidential elections. In a statement on Tuesday, Abouel Fotouh said he was about to become involved in a “group that reflects the spirit of the 25 January revolution with all its acceptance, tolerance and diversity." He went on to say that his future activities require his independence from any “particular organizations". MB Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie had previously instructed MB members not to join any political parties other than the Freedom and Justice Party, which the group plans to establish. Abouel Fotouh, a former member of the Shura Council, sharply criticized Badie and the proposed party on Wednesday, saying he rejected the transformation of the group to a political party. At a seminar in Alexandria on Wednesday, Abouel Fotouh said he was considering running for the presidency. He was a member of the MB's Guidance Office, the highest executive body within the group, until the elections for the Guidance Bureau and the election of the general guide in late 2009 resulted in the conservative wing taking over the Guidance Office. Abouel Fotouh, who is also secretary general of the Arab Doctors' Union, is described by observers as a reformist and the MB leader most open to views critical of the group. He is also known for his stance against the proposed Freedom and Justice Party's intention to exclude Copts and women from leadership positions, and in particular the party's stance against women and Copts running for the presidency. Translated from the Arabic Edition
