The Muslim Brotherhood did not strike a deal with the government to release one if its prominent leaders on Sunday, after five months detention without charges, a newly freed Essam al Erian indicated. In his first interview with Asharq al Awsat after leaving jail, al Erian said on Monday, âthis talk [of a deal] is laughable and untrueâ, stressing that Brotherhood members never negotiate with the authorities and do not fear incarceration. Al Erian indicated his recent arrest was not the first and said, âWe have become accustomed to jail under the current political climate in Egypt, ongoing for fifty years. It is a standard punishment against Islamic or political activists.â Detention, he said, âis no longer extraordinary. This is not heroism but to get ourselves used to the tough conditions once inside.â
A medical doctor, al Erian was arrested with several other Brotherhood members in May 2005 during a street demonstration. Asked about the groupâs decision to halt public protests in the wake of his detention, he said, âThe Muslim Brotherhood will never give up demonstrating. It is important everyone realizes it is one of many tools but not everything of itself. Every action has its own special setting. We have a number of alternatives and protesting will remain an option if needed.â On his fear of being re-arrested, the Brotherhood figure said, âAs long as jails are used against politicians and opinion makers, no one is immune from being prosecuted.â He added, âWe will not give up calling for civil liberties, the respect of the constitution and an end to tyrannyâ. Referring to the recent flurry of political activity in Egypt in the last few months, the newly freed medical doctor said it had created a sense of optimism despite the continuing threat of detention and that winds of change needed time to make themselves felt.