Mohamed Morsi’s Death Paints a Grim Picture of Egypt

On June 17th, 2019, Egypt’s first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi, died.  Or rather, was murdered.  

Mohammad Morsi took office as Egypt’s elected president in 2012, following the resignation of former President Hosni Mubarak. When Morsi took power, Egypt had been in dire need for justice and democracy. Morsi’s democratic election proved hopeful.

Despite that, a year later in 2013, Morsi’s regime came to an abrupt conclusion when Egyptian military officials ousted him from power. The change came as direct result of fear that Morsi’s party — the Muslim Brotherhood — would take control of Egypt.

Since his ousting in mid-summer 2013, Morsi has remained in a high-security jail in Egypt. He has since been awaiting trial. On June 17, 2019, at what would be his last trial, Morsi collapsed in the soundproof holding glass cage.

Shortly after Morsi’s ill-fated collapse, activists and his family took to media platforms, citing malpractice on the part of the Egyptian government.

Reports say that after Morsi addressed the court on claims related to espionage and collaboration with Hamas, he fainted.

Shortly after Morsi’s ill-fated collapse, activists and his family took to media platforms, citing malpractice on the part of the Egyptian government. His family claimed that Morsi did not receive proper medical attention while in custody. Last month, family members were denied access to Morsi or access to information regarding his health.

All these accusation paint a grim picture of the Egyptian government. Given the political tension surrounding Morsi’s trials, it is not unexpected that conspiracy theorists and the like would question the validity of Morsi’s death as a natural one. Many Muslim Brotherhood supporters and members have outright said that this was “a full-fledged murder.”

Insinuating that the Egyptian government purposely neglected Morsi while he was in their custody could potentially lead to more political protests and tension within a country already grappling with underlying malcontent, but only time will tell how this will play out.

“Inna lilahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajioon. To Him we belong and to Him we return.”