The Arab Democrat The Latest From The Arab World
Related Articles
On Friday, clashes between security forces and the Islamists south of Cairo led to the deaths of two people. Eyewitness reports suggest that a woman was shot in the stomach by a birdshot pellet during a protest in the governorate of Fayoum by Islamists. Reportedly, several others have been injured in the clashes, which have erupted in other parts of Egypt as well.
In the city of Helwan, south of Cairo, clashes between security forces and Morsi supporters erupted, with reports of protestors shooting fireworks at policemen. The security forces could not contain the violence. Meanwhile, protestors were also seen demonstrating in the governorate of Boulaq district, marking themselves by holding pictures of Mohammed Morsi and banners showing the “Rabaa” sign of a hand with four fingers held up. Reportedly, the protestors were chanting anti-military and anti-police slogans as well.
Residents of Boulaq then clashed with the pro-Morsi protestors, which was followed by clashes between security forces and the protestors. Some of the protestors used fireworks and birdshots against the security forces, who responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Eventually, the security forces were able to cover the Giza governorate and control all attempts of rioting and violence.
Morsi supporters had also blocked the road between Assiut and Cairo at the Ayyat district, causing blockades in many other cities in Northern Egypt. Again, security forces were able to disband the protestors and re-open the road. In Moqattam district, clashes between pro-Brotherhood demonstrators and locals erupted almost as soon as the demonstration began.
Supporters of Mohammed Morsi have been conducting regular protests against the interim authorities in charge after his ouster in July by the military. Morsi’s Islamist supporters have called for protests on Friday to mark Sinai Liberation day – Friday would be the 32rd anniversary of Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula, which was invaded by its forces in 1956.
