Egypt's president Mohamed Morsi ousted by military

 
Opponents of ousted Egypt's Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, pictured above, shout anti-government slogans at Taharir square after it was confirmed that the military has taken over power.

News from credible sources indicate that Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, has been ousted by the military after the expiry of a 48 hours ultimatum they had given .

This led to the eruption of celebration across Cairo after protestors took to the streets and lit fireworks.

The head of Egypt's military, general Abdel Fatah al-sisi,  confirmed in a televised broadcast that they had overthrown the government of the 62 years old Morsi and consequently appointed the country's chief justice to take over power on an interim basis. They also called for fresh presidential and parliamentary elections.

General Abdel also said that a panel will be constituted to review the suspended Islamist-backed constitution. He also said a national reconciliation committee will be formed as well and all these panels will include the youths.

However, Morsi's supporters have protested against his removal from power and vowed to defend his reign.
 Supporters of ousted Egypt's president Morsi protesting against his removal from office.

Reacting to the coup, the European Union through its foreign policy chief called for a quick restoration of democracy in Egypt.

However, the United States, on Wednesday, refused to criticize Egypt's military but expressed its concern over the suspension of the constitution and military intervention.



 In a move to solidify their control, the military has shut down several news channels including a number of television stations that are seen as being 'pro-Morsi'.

The military raided Al-jazeera's Egypt news channels as well as one run by the Muslim Brotherhood and detained several staff.