The Spokesperson of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for the release of former president Mohamed Morsi and other Muslim Brotherhood leaders or "have their cases reviewed transparently without delay," in a statement released on Thursday. Ban Ki-moon called on interim authorities to end arbitrary arrests or "any form of harassment," adding that their role is to "ensure law and order" and guarantee the safety of all citizens. The Secretary General renewed his calls for "meaningful national dialogue" aimed at national reconciliation that is inclusive of all political forces and movements, stressing the importance of a "full return to civilian control, constitutional order and democratic governance." Supporters and opponents of Morsi have been preparing for Friday's protests since Wednesday, in response to Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi's call for mass rallies and protests to support the military's crackdown on "terrorism and violence." Since Morsi's detention began on 3 July, many have called for his release including Islamist leaders Safwat Hegazy and Mohamed Al-Beltagy, as well the foreign ministries of the European Union. The military has maintained that Morsi is being held for his own safety.
