Muslim brotherhood women. Photo: Gainor Barton.

NBC News – A court banned the Muslim Brotherhood from operating in Egypt and ordered the confiscation of all its assets Monday in a dramatic escalation of the country’s deadly political conflict.

The ruling means the organization is prohibited from carrying out any activities in Egypt – including protests, demonstrations or fundraising events.

A Muslim Brotherhood source said the group planned to appeal the decision within ten days.

The ruling, which was confirmed by judicial officials and reported on state television, marks the latest division between Egypt’s military-backed interim government and supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

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