MB guide, deputy responsible for journalist Abu Deif’s blood

I do not know why I recalled when I heard the news about how journalist El-Husseini Abu Deif was murdered as a bullet was shot to his head, under clear instructions from the Muslim Brotherhood’s general guide and his deputy, Khairat Al-Shater.

The instructions were to eliminate peaceful protesters and everyone who is rejecting the constitutional declaration and the president himself, lest this scene occur once more.

The first thing that came to my mind as I heard the news was the trial of Abdel-Rahman Al-Sanadi, commander of the Muslim Brotherhood’s paramilitary wing, over his role in the assassination of judge Ahmed Al-Khazindar.

As the general guide at the time Hassan Al-Banna, according to the tale by Counselor Abdel Aziz Kamel, a member of the secret apparatus, sat down, while he was nervous, as shown by his rapid eye movement, nervous looks, tense facial features.

Next to Banna sat leaders of the apparatus, namely Abdel-Rahman Al-Sanadi, the head of the apparatus, who was as nervous as his master, then Ahmed Hassanein, Mahmoud Al-Sabbagh, Sayed Fayez, Ahmed Zaki, Ibrahim Al-Tayeb, Youssef Talaat, Helmy Abdel-Maguid, Hosny Abdel-Baky, Sayed Sabek, Saleh Ashmawi, Ahmed Hegazy, Mustafa Mashhour, and Mahmoud Assaf.

It seems that after al-Banna had made a passing comment declaring that he wished someone would get rid of the judge, Al-Sanadi took him at his word, considering it as an order. Al-Banna was surprised after the execution.

The following dialogue took place between Kamel and Al-Banna:

Kamel: I would like your excellency to answer some direct questions with yes and no.

Al-Banna: Go ahead!

Kamel: Did you directly order Al-Sanadi to commit this incident?

Al-Banna: No!

Kamel: Do you consider yourself responsible for Al-Khazindar’s blood and that God will ask you about him on judgement day?

Al-Banna: No!

Kamel: So, your excellency did not give such order and neither you claim responsibility for this murder?

Al-Banna: Yes!

Then Kamel asked Al-Banna’s permission to ask Al-Sanadi the following questions;

Kamel: Who gave you such order?

Al-Sanadi: From the professor (Referring to Al-Banna).

Kamel: Do you consider yourself responsible for Al-Khazindar’s blood and that God will ask you about him on judgement day?

Al-Sanadi: No!

Kamel: What about those who you assigned to kill Al-Khazindar, who bears this responsibility?

Al-Sanadi: When the professor says he wishes to get rid of Al-Khazindar, then his wish would be considered a command that should be executed!

Kamel: I do not think that such matters are being considered based on wishes! I want clear answers, since both of you are waiving responsibility for Al-Khazindar’s blood, who is responsible for those who were ordered to kill the judge?

Al-Sanadi: A Muslim’s religion remains valid lest he kills an innocent soul.

Kamel: Do you leave the issues as they are, or do you need a new image of command and identifying responsibilities?

Al-Sanadi: (Referring to Al-Banna) There must be a new image of command and responsibilities.

His opinion settled on the formation of a committee that includes the senior officials of the apparatus, so that Al-Sanadi would not make decisions solely, and to agree upon instructions by Al-Banna before their execution.

This was the first time that Al-Sanadi attended such discussion in front of the professor and leaders of the apparatus with both of them quarrelling whether Al-Banna should be held responsible for the killing of the judge or not.

Both of them refused to claim responsibility for shedding Al-Khazindar’s blood, fearing that God will hold them responsible for it.

But did the group’s role in killing and terrorizing Egyptians end, the last of which was Abu Deif? Surely, they will bear the responsibility for every single blood shed until the day of resurrection.