Quiet on the streets of Cairo after curfew imposed. Image from Guardian video
Cairo has fallen quiet after yesterday’s crackdown on Islamist protesters by security forces which ended with the deaths of at least 421 people.
A state of emergency and curfews were imposed across a number of Egyptian towns and cities after the bloodshed, leaving the city centres eerily quiet this morning according to people on the ground.
US Secretary of State John Kerry described the violence used to clear the pro-Morsi protesters as “deplorable” and a “blow to reconciliation efforts”. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“I am deeply concerned at the escalating violence and unrest in Egypt, and regret the loss of life on all sides. The UK has been closely involved in intensive diplomatic efforts directed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the standoff. I am disappointed that compromise has not been possible. I condemn the use of force in clearing protests and call on the security forces to act with restraint. Leaders on all sides must work to reduce the risk of further violence. Only then will it be possible to take vital steps towards dialogue and reconciliation.”
The current military-backed government, which came to power by ousting President Morsi on July 3rd, claim that at least 43 police officers were killed in the clashes.
The Muslim Brotherhood, who supported the protests to have Mohamed Morsi reinstated as president claim that the number of killed yesterday is more than 2000, although these numbers are yet to be confirmed. The Brotherhood have said that they will continue with their protests, as they believe that Morsi was democratically elected and was ousted by an illegal military coup. Morsi is currently being detained by security forces at an unknown secure location.
Egyptian Interim Prime Minster Hazem Beblawi has defended the operation, claiming that the authorities needed to restore security, but Vice-President Mohammed ElBaradei resigned over the violence in by the operation.
