Security tightens, rivals clash ahead of Egypt referendum
- 12 years ago
Tight security across Egypt - a day before voting on a controversial referendum of the new constitution.
More than one hundred thousand soldiers in amoured vehicles are being deployed to protect polling stations - and government buildings in Cairo and other major cities.
But, despite a heavy military presence, scuffles broke out Friday - between opponents and supporters of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.
In Alexandria, activists fought with clubs and swords after opposition members handing out flyers clashed with Mursi supporters.
While in Cairo, thousands of pro-Mursi demonstrators staged a peaceful rally - ahead of the referendum.
In the last three weeks, Cairo and other cities have seen violent demonstrations - after Mursi assumed sweeping powers to push through the constitution...in a political crisis which has divided much of the Arab world's most populated country.
More than one hundred thousand soldiers in amoured vehicles are being deployed to protect polling stations - and government buildings in Cairo and other major cities.
But, despite a heavy military presence, scuffles broke out Friday - between opponents and supporters of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.
In Alexandria, activists fought with clubs and swords after opposition members handing out flyers clashed with Mursi supporters.
While in Cairo, thousands of pro-Mursi demonstrators staged a peaceful rally - ahead of the referendum.
In the last three weeks, Cairo and other cities have seen violent demonstrations - after Mursi assumed sweeping powers to push through the constitution...in a political crisis which has divided much of the Arab world's most populated country.