Anti-Mursi Protests Rage In Cairo
- 11 years ago
REUTERS
Protesters clashed with police across Egypt on Friday (January 25) on the second anniversary of the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak, taking to the streets against the elected Islamist president who they accuse of betraying the revolution.
At least 91 civilians and 42 security personnel were hurt in violence across the country, officials said.
Street battles erupted in Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said, where the Muslim Brotherhood's political party offices were torched.
Demonstrators also clashed with riot police in the city of Suez, as thousands had gathered to protest against Mursi.
Thousands of opponents of President Mohamed Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies massed in Cairo's Tahrir Square - the cradle of the uprising against Mubarak - to revive the demands of a revolution they say has been hijacked by the Islamists.
The Jan. 25 anniversary showcased the divide between the Islamists and their secular foes that is hindering Mursi's efforts to revive an economy in crisis and reverse a plunge in Egypt's currency by enticing back investors and tourists.
Inspired by Tunisia's ground-breaking popular uprising, Egypt's revolution spurred further revolts across the Arab world. But the sense of common purpose that united Egyptians two years ago has given way to internal strife that has only worsened and last month triggered lethal street battles.
The Brotherhood decided against mobilizing for the anniversary, wary of the scope for more conflict after violence in December that was stoked by Mursi's decision to fast-track an Islamist-tinged constitution rejected by his opponents.
The Brotherhood fiercely denies accusations of trampling on democracy as part of a smear campaign by its rivals.
Six months into office, Mursi is also being held responsible for an economic crisis caused by two years of turmoil. The Egyptian pound has sunk to record lows against the dollar.
Video Source: Reuters
Protesters clashed with police across Egypt on Friday (January 25) on the second anniversary of the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak, taking to the streets against the elected Islamist president who they accuse of betraying the revolution.
At least 91 civilians and 42 security personnel were hurt in violence across the country, officials said.
Street battles erupted in Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said, where the Muslim Brotherhood's political party offices were torched.
Demonstrators also clashed with riot police in the city of Suez, as thousands had gathered to protest against Mursi.
Thousands of opponents of President Mohamed Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies massed in Cairo's Tahrir Square - the cradle of the uprising against Mubarak - to revive the demands of a revolution they say has been hijacked by the Islamists.
The Jan. 25 anniversary showcased the divide between the Islamists and their secular foes that is hindering Mursi's efforts to revive an economy in crisis and reverse a plunge in Egypt's currency by enticing back investors and tourists.
Inspired by Tunisia's ground-breaking popular uprising, Egypt's revolution spurred further revolts across the Arab world. But the sense of common purpose that united Egyptians two years ago has given way to internal strife that has only worsened and last month triggered lethal street battles.
The Brotherhood decided against mobilizing for the anniversary, wary of the scope for more conflict after violence in December that was stoked by Mursi's decision to fast-track an Islamist-tinged constitution rejected by his opponents.
The Brotherhood fiercely denies accusations of trampling on democracy as part of a smear campaign by its rivals.
Six months into office, Mursi is also being held responsible for an economic crisis caused by two years of turmoil. The Egyptian pound has sunk to record lows against the dollar.
Video Source: Reuters