Friday, February 3, 2012

Two dead, hundreds injured in Egypt protests



Joseph Mayton 3 February 2012
Bikya Masr

"CAIRO: At least two people were shot dead in Suez late Thursday, early Friday morning, as Egyptians continue to protest against the military junta in cities across the country.

In downtown Cairo, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to demand justice for the violence on Wednesday night at a football match that left 75 people dead. According to eyewitnesses, security officials allowed the violence to happen, and possibly spurred it on.

The result of that violence brought thousands to the streets, calling for the end of military rule over Egypt.

“Leave, leave,” and “down with the SCAF” were among the popular chants, in reference to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).

In Cairo, at least 700 people have been injured by Friday morning as police continued to bombard protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Medical personnel told Bikyamasr.com that the number “could become even greater, but thank God, no deaths.”

Near continuous tear gas continues to rain down upon protesters, who are being pulled from the frontlines by young men on motorcycles and delivered to makeshift field hospitals set up on side streets nearby.

Despite the tear gas, spirits remain high among the protesters, led by the fans of Egyptian football club al-Ahly, who were the victims of Wednesday’s violence.

Earlier in the evening, the fans and protesters marched to central Cairo, chanting against the military junta and calling for the “execution of the Field Marshal,” in reference to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) chief Hussein Tantawi......"

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