Mohammed Badie held the position of General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt from 2010 until 2013. Born in El Mahalla El Kubra on 7 August 1943, he transitioned from a career as a university professor of veterinary pathology into a central leadership role within the organization during a period of significant political volatility for the country.
Early Political Involvement
Badie earned his veterinary degree at Cairo University in 1965. During that same year, he faced his first major legal challenge when he was arrested alongside Sayyid Qutb during a nationwide sweep of political activists. A military tribunal sentenced him to 15 years in prison. He remained incarcerated for nine years before receiving a parole in 1974, granted by Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat. Following his release, he pursued academic interests, eventually serving as a part-time professor of pathology at Beni Suef University.
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Before his elevation to General Guide in 2010, Badie served on the Guidance Bureau, the governing council of the Muslim Brotherhood, starting in 1996. His leadership tenure coincided with the rise of President Mohammed Morsi. Following the July 2013 coup d'état that removed Morsi from power, authorities placed a travel ban on Badie. On 10 July 2013, officials issued an arrest warrant for him, alleging he incited violence in Cairo that resulted in over 50 deaths. He was officially taken into custody by Egyptian authorities on 20 August 2013.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following his 2013 arrest, Badie faced numerous trials in various Egyptian courts. On 28 April 2014, he was sentenced to death during an eight-minute proceeding in Minya, though the sentence was later commuted to life in prison. Throughout 2014 and 2015, he received multiple life sentences regarding charges of inciting violence, attacking police stations, and organizing mass jail-breaks. In 2017, the Court of Cassation ordered retrials for some earlier capital cases. By 2019, he faced further convictions related to the 2011 uprising, which were upheld by Egypt's highest appeals court.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 August 1943, El Mahalla El Kubra
- Education: Cairo University
- Occupation: Veterinarian and politician
- General Guide tenure: 2010-2013
- First arrest: 1965
- Primary religion: Sunni Islam
Questions readers ask
What was Mohammed Badie's role in the Muslim Brotherhood?
He served as the eighth Supreme General Guide of the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood from 2010 until his arrest in 2013.
Is Mohammed Badie still in prison?
Yes, Badie has received multiple life sentences across several trials in Egypt and remains in state custody.
