Egypt’s latest Pharaoh says criticism threatens the state

Egypt’s president said Wednesday that excessive criticism of the government is contributing to attempts to bring down the state, telling Egyptians not to listen to anyone but him.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi did not go into specifics in an address broadcast live, saying only that he would "remove from the face of the Earth" anyone plotting to bring down the state.
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In recent weeks, Egypt has seen startlingly public shows of anger over police abuses and brutality. Rights groups have documented arbitrary arrests, torture and disappearances. Even stalwartly pro-government TV commentators have raised alarm over a series of perceived miscarriages of justice, police brutality and economic problems — a shift from the near blanket avoidance of criticism in the past two years.

El-Sissi appeared angry as he addressed an audience that included public figures, youth groups and university students and some military officers.

"Please, don’t listen to anyone but me. I am dead serious," he said sharply. "Be careful. No one should abuse my patience and good manners to bring down the state."

"I swear by God that anyone who comes near it, I will remove him from the face of the Earth," he said, then added, seeming to address those conspiring against the state, "What do you think you’re doing? Who are you?"

It is "still very early for open democratic practices, like criticizing and pushing (officials) out of office," he said, adding that democracy is being practiced but "under difficult circumstances, so let us safeguard Egypt."

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