[This is a collection of news updates on Egypt compiled from multiple sources by the editors.]
Counter Rallies, Clashes on Egypt`s War Anniversary
One dead as clashes begin in Egypt on anniversary of war against Israel; thousands celebrate the army while others stage counter protests.
Protests commenced on Sunday in support of toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in Cairo and elsewhere, with one fatality, as the country marks the fortieth anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Armored vehicles and security forces have been heavily deployed within main squares across the nation, as fears heighten of a violent flare-up between the protesters and crowds celebrating the war anniversary.
In the flashpoint Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, an Ahram reporter said people were queuing to stream into the area to celebrate the national holiday. There is a celebratory atmosphere, but security is evident.
Protesters, many clad in T-shirts bearing the photo of army chief General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi or holding his picture, have converged on the square in their thousands as patriotic songs boom from loud speakers. People walk through metal detectors and are thoroughly searched by police and army personnel as they enter the square, with only two entrances open. All other routes in are sealed off, according to Ahram Online`s Osman El-Sharnoubi. Egypt`s army traditionally celebrates the October war against Israel–which eventually led to the recovery of the Sinai Peninsula–each year with military performances and flyovers, and the day is a public holiday. The Interior Ministry warned it would "firmly confront" any violence during demonstrations on Sunday. Backers of Morsi`s Muslim Brotherhood have staged thousand-strong marches in several parts of Cairo, Giza and other governorates. Flexing its muscles, a pro-Morsi Islamist group urged followers to converge on Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the 2011 uprising and 2012 demonstrations against Morsi`s rule.
However, police and army troops have barred Islamist marches from reaching the capital`s major squares, as army jets and F-16 fighters hover in formations over Cairo, Alexandria and several other cities. Almost two dozen Islamists were arrested early on Sunday in northeast Cairo while marching towards the Rabaa Al-Adawiya area, which security forces raided in mid-August to disperse a sizeable extended sit-in by Morsi loyalists, leaving hundreds dead. The area, along with other major squares, has been sealed off to protesters since the police crackdown. In Cairo`s Mohandeseen district, thousands of Morsi backers have been marching through the area, many flashing the four-finger Rabaa sign and chanting anti-army slogans, reported Ahram Online`s Sherif Tarek. The National Alliance to Support Legitimacy, a pro-Morsi grouping led by the Brotherhood movement, has repeatedly called for protests against the military`s overthrow of Morsi.
However, its ability to muster large crowds has tailed off as security forces have mounted a crackdown on Islamists, arresting hundreds of members and allies including Morsi himself.
Rallies took a violent turn in central Cairo`s Garden City and Giza`s Dokki district, where police fired rounds of teargas after local residents clashed during pro-Morsi protests heading towards Tahrir, eyewitnesses and Ahram Online reporters said. The sound of heavy gunfire was later reported. In Delga - a town south of Cairo held by Islamists until security forces raided it last month - a Brotherhood supporter was killed and at least three injured as a pro-Morsi march clashed with police. Protesters hurled stones at security officers near a police station, and officers responded with live fire.
Six people were injured, including three policemen, in clashes in Suez when security forces fired teargas at a march by pro-Morsi demonstrators, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported. The confrontation had occurred when the march approached a central square where pro-military crowds were celebrating the national holiday.
In Alexandria, clashes broke out between Morsi supporters and residents in Sidi Beshr district after a pro-Morsi march. Skirmishes also took place in Ismailia, Beheira governorate and in Aswan in the south of the country. Pro-army demonstrations were reported in Kafr El-Sheikh, Port Said, Sohag, Mahalla, Damietta and other locations.
Egypt has been gripped by prolonged violence since the military overthrow of Morsi early in July after mass demonstrations against his turbulent year in office.
The ouster of the former president enraged Islamists, who have denounced the move as a violation of democratic "legitimacy."
Hundreds were killed on 14 August when security forces moved to forcibly disperse two protest camps set up by Morsi loyalists in Cairo and Giza, unleashing days of violent turmoil and deepening polarization.
Militants elsewhere have taken up arms against the state. The army has been battling an insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula, adjoining Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, where Islamist militants have mounted almost daily attacks on security and army targets, killing dozens.
[This article originally appeared on Ahram Online.]
Clashes Intensify in Dokki Amid Tear Gas, Gunfire
Clashes broke out in several areas around Cairo as mass marches of protesters chanting against military rule were stopped from entering Tahrir Square, where thousands of others had gathered early in the morning to celebrate the anniversary of the 1973 October 6 War.
By late Sunday afternoon, the heaviest clashes seem to be concentrated in the Dokki neighborhood, where protesters battled with residents and security forces. A front line appeared to have formed on Tahrir Street, the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood.
A Mada Masr reporter in the vicinity witnessed Molotov cocktails being thrown, but it was unclear who was throwing them. Constant gunfire could be heard around the area of protests.
Witnesses reported seeing armed, plain clothed men descending from a Central Security Forces truck. Armed men were also arriving at the scene in an unmarked car with red license plates—a sign that the vehicle belongs to the governorate.
These men demanded that no one film the clashes, and chased protesters down neighborhood streets, sometimes detaining them, witnesses said.
A Mada Masr reporter described a “nightmarish scene” with tear gas and gunfire, civilians beating up protesters they have captured, and protesters responding with fireworks. Plain clothed men could also be seen walking around with light weapons, including a hooded man clearly brandishing a knife.
Many of the protesters were marching in support of the now-criminalized Muslim Brotherhood and deposed President Mohamed Morsi. Eyewitnesses say protesters chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) as they marched, and residents of the area took to the streets to protect their neighborhood.
Protesters in the Dokki march shouted at passersby, “We are not real … All this is photoshopped," as they gestured towards a seemingly endless crowd of demonstrators.
Eyewitnesses said dozens were arrested by Central Security Forces, and that local residents were also detaining some protesters.
Rasha, a female demonstrator in Dokki, told Mada Masr, “Look, I am not veiled and I am a liberal. Not all those protesting are Brotherhood like people insist. The people want freedom and democracy. We elected a president for the first time in years, and we are here to defend this principle. We [do not believe in] removing a president by force.”
“When we say ‘down with military rule,’ we are talking about the army generals who work for their own interests ... We are not against the military as an institution, they are our family,” she clarified.
As guns fired in the background, she said, “We are peaceful and unarmed. They want us to be quiet, but we will never be quiet again.”
Violence was also reported down on the Nile Corniche in Garden City, where security forces reportedly used tear gas to push back a march of thousands coming from Manial.
The anti-regime protests were organized by the Anti-Coup Alliance, comprising supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, political forces calling for Morsi`s reinstatement, and citizens that oppose the army-backed legitimacy of the interim government.
The Anti-Coup Alliance called on supporters to gather at several spots around Cairo and head to Tahrir Square on time for afternoon prayers, amid heightened security at major squares around the country as Egypt celebrates national Armed Forces Day.
Starting on Sunday morning, protesters gathered in Giza’s Mohandiseen district. More than 2,000 demonstrators set off towards Tahrir.
Protesters chanted against the military and carried the yellow hands with four fingers to signify Rabea el-Adaweya, where hundreds of Morsi supporters were killed on 14 August when security forces violently dispersed their sit-in.
Mohamed al-Bagoury, a thirty-seven-year-old marketing executive from Giza, took part in the Mohandiseen march.
“It is not about Morsi anymore. What I care about is legitimacy. We elected a civilian president in free and fair elections. I want our constitution, an interim government and legitimacy. What we conducted a referendum on our constitution. Morsi is a symbol of legitimacy,” he told Mada Masr.
“I am protesting to get my rights and the rights of those that died in Rabea, Nahda and the Republican Guard [clashes]. This new government is a coup, this is not democracy,” he added.
Asked why protesters were headed to Tahrir given the likelihood of clashes breaking out with the crowds assembled there to celebrate the army, Bagoury answered, “Going to Tahrir is the spirit of the revolution. This is known globally as the place where the January 25 revolution took place.”
The state news agency said that the march left from Mahrousa Mosque in Mohandiseen, but was stopped when trying to ascend the May 15 Bridge, and instead took Sudan Street heading to Tahrir Square.
Elsewhere in Egypt, at least one protester was killed in clashes with security forces in Minya’s Delga village on Sunday, security and medical sources told Reuters.
Reuters reported that clashes erupted near a police station in Delga when protesters threw stones at police, who responded with live fire. It was not immediately possible to verify what provoked the violence.
Protesters attempting to rally at Alexandria’s Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque were also stopped by security forces, and some were arrested for distributing leaflets that called for civil disobedience, according to the state news agency.
[This article originally appeared on Mada Masr.]
Fighter Jets Fly Over Cairo as Rival Marches Take to the Streets
Military fighter jets circled over Tahrir Square and Cairo’s downtown area early on Sunday, ahead of rallies planned to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the 1973 October 6 War.
By noon, thousands of military supporters had descended on Tahrir, which since Saturday was closed off to traffic. Heavy security forces monitored the entrances to the square.
The five main entrances were fitted with new metal detectors. Police dogs and security personnel thoroughly searched those entering Tahrir.
Inside the square, pro-military posters were abundant as well as pictures of Defense Minister Colonel General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Families with their children in tow were enjoying the celebratory mood.
Ahmed Khalil, in his forties, told Mada Masr he came to Tahrir with his family to “show gratitude for the Egyptian army’s efforts and in support of Sisi,” who he hopes will run for president. Khalil said he was not afraid of the rival protests planned by MB supporters, since the military is present heavily around the square.
The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that it would confront any attempts to spoil the celebrations.
Mohamed Rabie, a thirty-six-year-old employee in the Giza Youth and Sports Authority, said his employers asked him to celebrate October 6 in Tahrir: “They asked me to come here with my colleagues, but I don’t see it as a command, because we all love the military and are against the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorism.”
The Tamarod (Rebel) movement also called on Egyptians to take to the streets and mark 6 October in protests supporting the Armed Forces. This grassroots movement had mobilized for the 30 June protests that led to Morsi’s ouster.
Mahmoud Badr, a leading Tamarod member, said, “The people will not allow anyone to steal their revolution, and will not allow armed gangs to impose their will on the people.”
Rival protests are planned by an umbrella group which calls itself the Anti-Coup Alliance, comprising supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, political forces calling for the reinstatement of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, and other citizens that oppose the army-backed interim government.
The Anti-Coup Alliance called on supporters to gather at several spots around Cairo and head to Tahrir Square on time for the afternoon prayers. Armed Forces and Central Security Forces have increased their presence in anticipation of any confrontations between the two sides.
The main streets around the Ettehadiya Presidential Palace in Heliopolis and Nahda Square in Giza have also been sealed off. Some reports suggest they will remain closed until Monday.
The security directorates of Alexandria, Suez, Port Said, Qena and other governorates have said that security has been tightened around the main squares on Sunday, according to the state news agency.
Four protesters were killed on Friday as clashes erupted in different cities as Muslim Brotherhood supporters tried to hold anti-military protests. According to the state-run Middle East News Agency, the protesters were trying to reach Tahrir. Brotherhood-led protests against the interim government have been sporadic since Morsi’s ouster, often leading to deadly clashes with area residents and security forces.
[This article originally appeared on Mada Masr.]
Muslim Brotherhood Protesters Clash with Police, Residents
Clashes erupted in different cities in Egypt on Friday as Muslim Brotherhood supporters tried to hold anti-military protests. The protests came two days ahead of nation-wide demonstrations planned by the Muslim Brotherhood on 6 October, a day of celebration for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
One of the Muslim Brotherhood protests took place in the Galaa and Qasr al-Nil bridges in Cairo and ended in clashes with the police, who fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, eyewitnesses said.
According to the state-run Middle East News Agency, the protesters were trying to reach Tahrir Square. A military source told the agency that the square will be closed off until Monday, as well as the Ettehadiya Presidential Palace.
In Manial, protesters supporting the Muslim Brotherhood clashed with residents, eyewitnesses said. The area was home to sporadic clashes in August during the sit-in of the Muslim Brotherhood in the nearby Nahda Square. On Friday, residents of the area formed security committees to identify people carrying arms, shortly after the clashes ended.
Other clashes between Muslim Brotherhood protesters and residents took place in Shubra, the privately-owned CBC channel reported.
Al-Jazeera also reported that some Muslim Brotherhood supporters gathered near the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense in East Cairo. Some of them were seen throwing rocks at unknown targets.
Protesters also tried to congregate at the Rabea al-Adaweya mosque, which was home to another sit-in they held in August, and which was forcibly dispersed by the security killing hundreds. However, security prevented the protesters from reaching the mosque and they gathered instead in front of the nearby Tiba Mall.
Clashes were also reported in Alexandria between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and residents.
Muslim Brotherhood protests have been scattered following the dispersal of the sit-ins, which have been set to call for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Morsi, ousted by the military in the aftermath of popular protests demanding his resignation.
[This article originally appeared on Mada Masr.]
Political Forces Speak Out On October 6 Protests
Political parties had mixed reactions to Sunday’s rival demonstrations, as they devolved into violent clashes scattered throughout the capital and elsewhere in the country.
While thousands converged on the iconic Tahrir Square to celebrate the military on Armed Forces Day—the anniversary of the 1973 October 6 War—protesters demonstrating against the military-led ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi also attempted to march to the square. Clashes between protesters, security forces and neighborhood residents erupted in downtown, Garden City and Dokki, while elsewhere in Egypt violence was also reported in Alexandria and in the Minya village of Delga, where at least one protester was killed.
A leading member of the Salafi Nour Party, Khaled Alam Eldin, criticized Sunday’s events, which his party did not participate in.
“It is well known that today is a national holiday, but I disagree with the idea that both parties decided to demonstrate in the same place, Tahrir Square; especially because it is clear that the security forces are protecting the pro-military [demonstrators] and targeting the others,” Alam Eldin told Mada Masr.
“This shows that the military is losing its impartiality and with time will be dragged deeply into politics,” he warned.
But Mahmoud al-Alaily, secretary of the Free Egyptians Party, had a different take on the day’s violence.
“You see the people are helping the security forces arresting the Muslim Brotherhood [protesters]. This shows that it is not a battle with the security forces, but between the people themselves,” he argued.
Since Morsi was removed from office by military mandate on 3 July, Muslim Brotherhood-organized protests calling for his reinstatement have grown increasingly smaller and infrequent. Mohamed al-Assas, a leader of the Egyptian Current Party and former Brotherhood member, told Mada Masr he believes the success or failure of these demonstrations will be telling about the future of the group itself.
“It is clear enough that both sides are trying to use the whole event for their respective interests. The military is using the crowd [in Tahrir] to show that it`s heavily supported, and the MB is trying to show that we’re still capable of [making an impact in] the street,” he asserted.
“But I believe that the group must think of a political solution so it can survive, rather than only protesting, which show its weakness.”
[This article originally appeared on Mada Masr.]
Ex-Presidential Hopeful Bothaina Kamel ATtacked by `Morsi Supporters`
Pro-Morsi demonstrations smash the windows of former presidential hopeful Bothaina Kamel and assault her physically, she alleged Sunday.
Former presidential runner Bothaina Kamel was attacked Sunday by what she described as Muslim Brotherhood supporters, she told Aswat Masriya.
Kamel says she had the windows of her car smashed before being physically assaulted by a group of bearded men, some of which carried the yellow flags used by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.
The attack happened when she was passing through Giza`s Dokki district, a site of previous clashes.
Kamel has been an active opponent of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. She was also an opponent of military rule following the ouster of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and ran in the 2012 presidential elections.
Rallies took a violent turn in Dokki where police fired rounds of teargas after local residents clashed during pro-Morsi protests heading towards Tahrir Square, eyewitnesses and Ahram Online reporters said.
Clashes also broke out in several other locations across Egypt Sunday, on the fortieth anniversary of the 6 October War of 1973. The military planned celebrations while Morsi supporters called for fresh rallies.
On Friday, former spokesperson of the National Salvation Front (NSF) and spokesperson of the Constitution Party, Khaled Dawoud, was stabbed by Morsi supporters in his chest and wrists.
He said he was attacked by protesters supporting Morsi while driving his car down Qasr El-Aini Street in front of Abou Al-Rish Bridge.
Egypt has been gripped by prolonged violence since the military overthrow of Morsi 3 July after mass demonstrations against his turbulent year in office.
The ouster of the former president enraged Islamists, who have denounced the move as a violation of democratic "legitimacy."
Hundreds were killed 14 August when security forces moved to forcibly disperse two protest camps set up by Morsi loyalists in Cairo and Giza, unleashing days of violent turmoil and deepening polarization.
Militants elsewhere have taken up arms against the state. The army has been battling an insurgency in Sinai, adjoining Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, where Islamist militants have mounted almost daily attacks on security and army targets, killing dozens.
[This article originally appeared on Ahram Online.]