Clashes break out at Cairo universities after students defy new law

  • 11 years ago
Demonstrations have broken out in Egypt 24 hours after a new law was ratified by the interim President Adly Mansour restricting public protests.

At two of the city’s universities the state news agency reported security forces fired tear gas to break up a protest in which demonstrators were chanting slogans against the army and police.

Presidential spokesman Ihab Badawi outlined the new legislation.

“Everyone that wants to organise a public meeting, procession or protest is required to submit a written request to the nearest police station and to specify the location of the intended public meeting, procession or protest for permission at least three working days prior to assembly,” he said.

The new law is seen by some to be aimed at supporters of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood and the ousted President Mohammed Mursi. Human rights groups have condemned it.

The interim government said it was designed to protect “the right of protesters” requiring them to give “notice” rather than