A total of 37 members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood were arrested Friday, after supporters had gathered in front of a number of mosques following prayers and rallied in an attempt to block roads, according to an interior ministry statement. According to Muslim Brotherhood spokeswoman Wafaa Al-Banna, the protests were calling for an end to "military rule, supporting legitimacy", and to protest "deteriorating living conditions". Al-Banna added that the protests would continue until all their demands are met. She noted that 37 were arrested in different governorates across Egypt, and were accused of a list of charges that include protesting without authorization and illegal assembly. She added that "these protests usually involve a large number of people". The interior ministry meanwhile said the arrested had in their possession Molotov cocktails and inciting leaflets. However, Al- Banna said that the protests were "peaceful" and that participants had no weapons in their possession. Earlier in September the International Development Center (IDC) issued a report stating that August witnessed 647 protests, of which the Muslim Brotherhood led 414. According to the report, political and civil rights were the primary demands in these demonstrations.
