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Muslim Brotherhood cancels Sunday protest marches

Egyptian woman cry after killing her relative after clashes broke out during a demonstration in support of Egypt's ousted president Mohamed Morsi, in Cairo Egypt on August 16, 2013. UPI/Ahmed Jomaa
1 of 4 | Egyptian woman cry after killing her relative after clashes broke out during a demonstration in support of Egypt's ousted president Mohamed Morsi, in Cairo Egypt on August 16, 2013. UPI/Ahmed Jomaa | License Photo

CAIRO, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The threat of rooftop snipers led the Muslim Brotherhood to call off a series of protest marches around Egypt Sunday.

Egypt was braced for another day of angry street clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi, led by the Muslim Brotherhood.

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Brotherhood leaders abruptly canceled the marches, saying they feared the protesters could be fired on by snipers in buildings along the routes, CNN said.

The Egyptian interim government installed by the military after Morsi's removal leveled the blame for the street violence on outside agitators. Officials also were considering legal steps to disband the Muslim Brotherhood altogether.

Minister of Social Solidarity Ahmed al-Borai said Sunday an official decision would be made by the government in 15 days after the issue is studied by the General Federation of non-governmental Organizations, the Egypt Independent reported.

Borai said the move would force the Muslim Brotherhood to reveal its source of funding and its official agenda. He said a court ruling would not be required because of "the crimes" committed by the organization.

Interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said dissolving the Brotherhood would force it underground and lead to mass arrests, Israel Radio said.

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"There will be no reconciliation with those whose hands have been stained with blood and who turned weapons against the state and its institutions," the radio quoted him saying.

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