Cairo: Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi says those questioning his government about human rights are ignoring the fact that his country of 90 million lacks development, stability and investment.

Speaking during celebrations of national Police Day on Tuesday, Al Sissi said a large segment of Egyptians live in poverty — with much larger concerns than freedom of expression.

“Ninety million want to eat, drink, live and be reassured for their future,” he told a room packed with police officers and public figures. He said the country is also battling terrorism.

To those who protest, he yelled: “Don’t take us down with you.”

Al Sissi said he respects human rights but amid Egypt’s turmoil, there is bound to be violations.

Human rights activists say a law restricting protests and other security legislation enacted by Al Sissi in the absence of a parliament have rolled back freedoms won in a 2011 uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

Al Sissi was elected virtually unopposed last May, almost a year after the military he then led toppled Islamist president Mohammad Mursi. A security crackdown under Al Sissi’s watch ended months of economically ruinous anti-government unrest and jailed thousands of Islamists and liberal activists alike, including people for demonstrating without a police permit.

Al Sissi did not mention various security laws, which have been condemned by rights groups at home and abroad, in his speech.

A few months after Mursi’s overthrow in July 2013, the government passed a law outlawing demonstrations without the prior approval of a police permit.

In 2011, the Police Day national holiday marked the start of 18 days of mass protests that swept Mubarak from power after 30 years of authoritarian rule.

He called on activists to support government efforts to improve health, education and the lives of the poor, suggesting protests would hinder such efforts.

Egypt has been trying to repair an economy prostrated by political upheaval, street protests and militant violence since the anti-Mubarak revolt. Cairo has launched economic reforms to win back foreign investors since Al Sissi became president.

Egypt will hold a long-awaited parliamentary election in two phases starting in March. Al Sissi hopes the vote will deliver stability after years of upheaval. Critics call the vote a sham given what they say is Al Sissi’s clampdown on political freedoms.