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After millions of Egyptians took to streets in recent days, Egypt’s military ousted President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood party from power, calling for early elections and suspending the constitution. 


On Sunday, the military issued Morsy an ultimatum: he had 48 hours to “address the people’s legitimate demands” of early presidential elections. Morsy rejected this, saying he would stay on as Egypt’s elected president, although he did offer dialogue with the opposition and an amendment of the constitution.

Army chief General Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, appointed by Morsy, announced the military takeover.

The military called for no violence, but confrontations could erupt in this tense situation. A picture of soldiers praying.
Crowds react as the deadline passes and rumors of Morsy's house arrest spread, @MadaMasr

This isn't Egypt's first experience with military interference in politics – the period of military rule from February 2011 to June 2012 was rife with human rights abuses.
Essam Haddad, head of Egypt's Office of the President and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, foreshadowed events to come, posting this statement on his Facebook Page shortly before the military's announcement.
What's happening in Tahrir Square? See for yourself, watch Reuters' life video stream.
Last night, pro-Morsi protesters clashed violently with security forces, leaving at least 18 dead and more than 600 injured near Cairo University.

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