TEHRAN Egypt is taking stern suppressive measures against Islamists and activists suspected of having links with the political group Muslim Brotherhood, according to the Internet site Middle East Newsline.

The Islamic circles in Cairo and London have said that some 100 Islamists have been taken into custody by the Egyptian government during the past six weeks.

Around 25 of the arrested individuals are suspected of being members of the Muslim Brotherhood, whose activities are banned in Egypt. The remaining 75 are suspected of having links with the United Jihad group, affiliated to the Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden.

A London-based Islamic group Monitor Guidance has said the arrest of those suspected of having links with the United Jihad group is connected to the bombing of the U.S. embassies in East Africa in 1998.

During their recent crackdown, the Egyptian security forces have also arrested several businessmen who include some nationalists from the Azerbaijan and Daghestan republics.