On 14 August 2013 , following a violent crackdown by security forces on supporters of deposed president Mohamed Morsi , in which at least 525 people were killed , ElBaradei resigned as vice president . In his resignation letter , ElBaradei stated : " ... I always saw peaceful alternatives for resolving this societal wrangling . Certain solutions were proposed , which could have led to national conciliation , but things have come this far ... It has become difficult for me to continue bearing the responsibility for decisions with which I do not agree and the consequences of which I fear . I can not bear the responsibility for a single drop of blood before God , before my own conscience or the citizens ... " He then left the country for Vienna , where he was previously based in his UN capacity
violent crackdown
August 2013 Rabaa massacre
Mohamed ElBaradei