I am President, hear me roar: Morsi's ego takes center stage at short-lived trial

Published November 5th, 2013 - 06:37 GMT

Having been called before a Cairo court for inciting murder against protesters in December 2012, former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi joined the delusional ex-presidents club on Monday after calling the court case against him “illegitimate” and refusing to partake in the judicial proceedings as incumbent “president” of Egypt.

Morsi’s stand against the Cairo court went as far as him refusing to don his prison uniform. We never realised he had such a penchant for fashion…

Even though thousands of Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood supporters took to the streets outside the courthouse, Monday’s trial was a non-event.

Aside from a few slung death threats -- pretty normal for Egypt these days -- the Morsi trial did not herald much drama inside the courtroom. It was on the streets outside the court where the real action unfolded -- as his supporters battled it out with the state police.

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Power trip: After giving himself absolute power as president, thousands protested against Morsi outside his presidential palace in December 2012. The brutal crackdown that followed saw Morsi slapped with the charge of inciting the killing of protesters. 14 other Muslim Brotherhood members were also given the same charges

Coups and criminal charges: After being deposed by the military in July 2013, Morsi was arrested by his armed foes. The new interim government announced that Morsi would stand trial on November 4 - in preparation, thousands of his supporters readied themselves to take to the streets and demand his reinstatement.

VIP treatment: Morsi was flown into the Police Academy by helicopter, whilst his Brotherhood cronies -- including Essam El Erian and Mohammed El Beltagi -- were escorted into the compound in armoured police vehicles.

Out of hiding: Access to the courthouse was severely limited - only 4 out of Morsi’s 28 lawyers were allowed into the trial. As Morsi landed and prepared to enter the court, the suspense in the crowd was palpable as the police attempted to dampen the ongoing protests. This was the first time he’s been seen in public since his ouster.

Non-uniform day: Morsi’s defiance shone through as soon as he entered the courtroom - he refused to take off his suit in lieu of the white, regulation prison uniform.

Man of the people: He might have been removed from power, but Morsi is still the Brotherhood’s sweetheart. They are still calling for his reinstatement. As he entered his trial, his fellow defendants -- who were in a cage inside the court -- chanted “illegal, illegal” towards the judge.

Don’t you know who I am? When asked to give his name, Morsi told the judge: I am Dr Mohamed Morsi, the president of the republic. I am Egypt's legitimate president. You have no right to conduct a trial into presidential matters." Sassy.

Brother interrupted, heckled, interrupted, postponed - The trial, according to insiders, was repeatedly disrupted - the judge had to halt proceedings twice and the police had to step in to calm down the courthouse. Journalists shouted repeatedly that the Brotherhood defendants deserved the death penalty.

Gone but not forgotten: After the constant disruptions in the court, the judge ruled that the trial be adjourned and that Morsi appear again before the Cairo court on January 8. Monday, for all its hype and protesting, was a non-event.

Not quite on the Mubarak gurney: He may have been in hidden from public view since his ouster, but Morsi is expected to remain in state custody until his retrial. Some say he will be held at Tora prison on the outskirts of Cairo, others that he will be taken to Burj Al Arab jail in Alexandria. The decision will be made by the Cairo appeal court.

Power trip: After giving himself absolute power as president, thousands protested against Morsi outside his presidential palace in December 2012. The brutal crackdown that followed saw Morsi slapped with the charge of inciting the killing of protesters. 14 other Muslim Brotherhood members were also given the same charges

Coups and criminal charges: After being deposed by the military in July 2013, Morsi was arrested by his armed foes. The new interim government announced that Morsi would stand trial on November 4 - in preparation, thousands of his supporters readied themselves to take to the streets and demand his reinstatement.

VIP treatment: Morsi was flown into the Police Academy by helicopter, whilst his Brotherhood cronies -- including Essam El Erian and Mohammed El Beltagi -- were escorted into the compound in armoured police vehicles.

Out of hiding: Access to the courthouse was severely limited - only 4 out of Morsi’s 28 lawyers were allowed into the trial. As Morsi landed and prepared to enter the court, the suspense in the crowd was palpable as the police attempted to dampen the ongoing protests. This was the first time he’s been seen in public since his ouster.

Non-uniform day: Morsi’s defiance shone through as soon as he entered the courtroom - he refused to take off his suit in lieu of the white, regulation prison uniform.

Man of the people: He might have been removed from power, but Morsi is still the Brotherhood’s sweetheart. They are still calling for his reinstatement. As he entered his trial, his fellow defendants -- who were in a cage inside the court -- chanted “illegal, illegal” towards the judge.

Don’t you know who I am? When asked to give his name, Morsi told the judge: I am Dr Mohamed Morsi, the president of the republic. I am Egypt's legitimate president. You have no right to conduct a trial into presidential matters." Sassy.

Brother interrupted, heckled, interrupted, postponed - The trial, according to insiders, was repeatedly disrupted - the judge had to halt proceedings twice and the police had to step in to calm down the courthouse. Journalists shouted repeatedly that the Brotherhood defendants deserved the death penalty.

Gone but not forgotten: After the constant disruptions in the court, the judge ruled that the trial be adjourned and that Morsi appear again before the Cairo court on January 8. Monday, for all its hype and protesting, was a non-event.

Not quite on the Mubarak gurney: He may have been in hidden from public view since his ouster, but Morsi is expected to remain in state custody until his retrial. Some say he will be held at Tora prison on the outskirts of Cairo, others that he will be taken to Burj Al Arab jail in Alexandria. The decision will be made by the Cairo appeal court.

Tags:Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood Cairo court UN Court State Police Mohamed Morsi

I am President, hear me roar: Morsi's ego takes center stage at short-lived trial

VIP treatment: Morsi was flown into the Police Academy by helicopter, whilst his Brotherhood cronies -- including Essam El Erian and Mohammed El Beltagi -- were escorted into the compound in armoured police vehicles.

Non-uniform day: Morsi’s defiance shone through as soon as he entered the courtroom - he refused to take off his suit in lieu of the white, regulation prison uniform.

Man of the people: He might have been removed from power, but Morsi is still the Brotherhood’s sweetheart. They are still calling for his reinstatement. As he entered his trial, his fellow defendants -- who were in a cage inside the court -- chanted “illegal, illegal” towards the judge.

Don’t you know who I am? When asked to give his name, Morsi told the judge: I am Dr Mohamed Morsi, the president of the republic. I am Egypt's legitimate president. You have no right to conduct a trial into presidential matters." Sassy.

Gone but not forgotten: After the constant disruptions in the court, the judge ruled that the trial be adjourned and that Morsi appear again before the Cairo court on January 8. Monday, for all its hype and protesting, was a non-event.

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