Tunisia's Islamists slam 'flagrant coup' in Egypt

(AP) Tunisia’s Islamists slam ‘flagrant coup’ in Egypt
TUNIS, Tunisia
Tunisia’s ruling Islamists have condemned the military overthrow of Egypt’s Islamist president, calling it a “flagrant coup.”

Tunisia’s Ennahda Party has its origins in the same Muslim Brotherhood whose government was ousted Wednesday in Egypt.

Ennahda dominated elections held here after Tunisians ousted their dictator in January 2011 and kicked off pro-democracy uprisings elsewhere, including Egypt.

Thursday’s statement by Ennahda leader Rachid Ghannouchi condemned the arrests of the leaders of Egypt’s Freedom and Justice Party _ an arm of the Brotherhood _ and the closing of its media outlets.

The statement expressed astonishment at the political forces supporting the Egyptian army’s action, which it said undermined democracy in the country and would feed radicalism.

Unlike its Egyptian counterparts, Ennahda has been ruling in a coalition with secular parties.