[Al Ahram] Leading US television channel CNN has come under severe attack by Egyptians on social networking sites, accusing the channel of bias against events unfolding in Egypt.After millions erupted into the streets across the country on Sunday for a planned demonstration calling for early presidential elections, the military intervened to oust president Mohamed Morsi after he refused to fulfil the protesters' demands.
The intervention was immediately dubbed a coup by the then-ruling Moslem Brüderbund, the group from which Morsi hails, who have been demonstrating in the hundreds of thousands in his support. The characterisation was shared by CNN, whose coverage of events was subtitled, "Coup in Egypt: Military ousts Morsi."
Opponents of the president refused the categorisation. "It's a revolution, not a coup," said a Facebook page launched Friday entitled, "Obama supports terrorism in Egypt." The group quickly gained over 35,000 subscribers.The opposition, who filled the iconic Tahrir Square and surrounded the presidential palace in Cairo last Sunday, are generally pleased with the army's move. The political "roadmap" set forth by the army was agreed upon in discussions with the opposition.
The roadmap included instating the head of Egypt's High Constitutional Court as interim president and forming a technocratic government until early presidential and parliamentary elections are held.
The roadmap was identical to the one called for by the anti-Morsi 'Rebel' campaign, the signature drive signed by Egyptians demonstrating on 30 June. For this reason, many were infuriated by CNN's insistence on dubbing what happened a "coup," accusing it of backing US policies in support of Morsi.
On Twitter, the hash-tag titled #CNN_STOP_Lying_About_Egypt trended in Egypt, showing the extent of antagonism that has grown against the channel.
Journalist Bassem Sabri posted the CNN logo emblazoned within the emblem of the Moslem Brüderbund as a sign depicting the channel's perceived adoption of the Brotherhood line.
The Brotherhood, for its part, immediately condemned the military's move, accusing it of overthrowing a legitimately elected president.