Leading Muslim Brotherhood figure Mohammed al-Beltagi has been arrested, according to Egyptian officials.
Mr Beltagi, secretary-general of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), is accused of inciting violence, state media said.
Former labour minister Khaled al-Azhari was also held.
It comes as Egypt's military moves against Brotherhood leaders following the ousting of former President Mohammed Morsi.
Prosecutors had ordered the arrest of Mr Beltagi on 10 July.
Despite the arrest order, he had appeared on an almost daily basis at the Rabaa al-Adawiyah protest camp in Cairo, which was occupied by supporters of Mr Morsi. The former MP was often seen delivering fiery speeches on the stage.
In hiding
Hundreds of people were killed earlier this month when security forces stormed the protest camps in the capital. Among them was Mr Beltagi's 17-year-old daughter Asmaa.
Much of the criticism of the Brotherhood in Egypt's media has focused on Mr Beltagi, who is accused of being behind acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by Brotherhood members.
He has continued to call for Egyptians to rise up against the military in recorded video statements while in hiding.
Further pro-Morsi demonstrations are reportedly planned for Friday.
The interior ministry has warned that security forces have the right to use live ammunition against protesters who attack public institutions.
Officials said Mr Beltagy and Mr Azhari, who served under Mr Morsi, were arrested in a flat on the outskirts of Cairo on Thursday.
Egyptian state-run news agency Mena quoted a security official saying it was likely Mr Beltagi would be held at Cairo's Tora prison.
Police have already arrested much of the Brotherhood's senior leadership, including its top figure Mohamed Badie and his deputy Khairat al-Shater. They are on trial on charges of incitement to violence.
Hundreds of other members of the Brotherhood, the Islamist movement from which Mr Morsi comes, have also been detained.
The interim government has said that the Brotherhood is as a terrorist organisation.
Police arrested 28 Islamists elsewhere in Egypt on Thursday, the Mena news agency said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Chief Justice dismisses allegations of financial misconduct detailed in one of the removal petitions
5 minutes -
Gilbert Ampiah undergoes successful classification ahead of Para Athletics
12 minutes -
9th Ghana CEO Summit launched in Accra
14 minutes -
World Bank to help Ghana create jobs for over 500,000 Ghanaians entering into job market annually
17 minutes -
Over 2 million girls to benefit from free sanitary pad policy – Dr Apaak
33 minutes -
‘Your days are numbered’ – Chief of Army Staff warns armed groups in Bawku
40 minutes -
GIADEC set to regulate downstream aluminium sector activities to curb cable theft and related issues
43 minutes -
Opokua Ahwenee Foundation donates medical equipment to Akwasiho Health Centre
44 minutes -
Damang mine saga: New deal restores hope for workers
1 hour -
Energy sector remains our biggest economic risk – Finance Minister
1 hour -
I’m open to collaborating with secular artistes – ACP Kofi Sarpong
1 hour -
Fraud cases in banks, others declined by 18% in 2024 – BoG
1 hour -
Royals Fun Fountain offers unique swimming experience for children on Easter Holiday
1 hour -
I sold kenkey to fund my education – ACP Kofi Sarpong
1 hour -
ADB leverages technology for customer experience at Kwahu Business Forum
2 hours