Friday of Departure News Updates As It Happens

Newscast Media CAIRO, Egypt-- As an act of solidarity toward the youth-led protesters calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, three Members of Parliament of Shura Council who belong to Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) have submitted their resignation today. The Shura Council is Egypt's upper house of legislation.

Mohamed al-Morshedy, the NDP's representative for Maadi, said he wanted to show solidarity with demonstrators in light of worsening economic, social, and political conditions. Morshedy said he was deeply disappointed with the formation of the new parliament, as it lacked opposition figures.

He urged other MPs whose legitimacy has been legally challenged to follow suit. "They have no right to these seats--the demands of Egypt's youth have to be respected," he said.

Meanwhile, Al-Masry Al-Youm is reporting that the spokesman for Al-Azhar University, the largest religious institution in the Sunni Muslim world, resigned from his post and joined protesters demanding the departure of President Hosni Mubarak in Tahrir Square.

Muhammad Rifaa al-Tahtawi said the Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh is a wise, patriotic man, but he (Tahtawi) resigned because he is supposed to be representing Al-Azhar and his position does not reflect Al-Azhar's. Add Comments>>

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