Muslim Brotherhood supporters begin “March of Anger” from Salam Mosque in Nasr City, Cairo. Image by Abdullah Elmahy
At least 20 people have been killed in Egypt, as Muslim Brotherhood supporters continue their nationwide “march of anger” and clashed with armed police with casualties sustained on both sides.
Muslim Brotherhood supporters took to the streets after Friday noon prayers, and were chanting “the people want to topple the coup”. Military helicopters could be seen circling overhead as they marched through the streets of Cairo towards Ramses Square to protest against the violent tactics and bloodshed on Tuesday when they were forcibly removed from their protest camps which left 638 dead.
The police have also had a strong military presence around Tahrir Square, with tanks and soldiers on the ground, preventing entry to any protesters.
Elsewhere in Egypt, eight people have been killed in Damietta, a city north of Cairo, when they reportedly attempted to storm police stations, and four in Ismailia. There are also reports of an explosion targeting the train tracks between Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, although no-one was injured in the attack.
The international community has urged both sides to come to the table for peaceful discussions, although neither look to be embracing any compromise at this time. In a statement, the Muslim Brotherhood made clear that they will continue to “struggle” until President Morsi was returned to power, saying:
“The struggle to overthrow this illegitimate regime is an obligation, an Islamic, national, moral, and human obligation which we will not steer away from until justice and freedom prevail, and until repression is conquered”
Tourists have been warned to stay away from Cairo, with the German Foreign Ministry warning against all travel to the country, and the UK Foreign Office advising “against all but essential travel”.
