Fresh Protests in Egypt Turn Deadly

Local Editor

At least five people have been killed and 265 others arrested as Egyptian riot police deployed water cannon and tear gas against hundreds of rock-throwing supporters of former president Mohamed Mursi, government officials said.

The clashes on Friday followed an announcement by Egyptian authorities that they would use the Muslim Brotherhood's new designation as a terrorist organization to levy harsh prison sentences on protesters.
"Brotherhood actions caused the deaths of [several] citizens when they clashed with residents," the Interior Ministry said in a statement on the violence, which gripped several cities.

The Interior Ministry said 15 policemen were injured in nationwide clashes with anti-coup protesters after being shot with live ammunition or birdshot.
Police and protesters also clashed in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia, where gunfire was heard, and in Damietta, in the Nile Delta, after Friday prayers.
The Muslim Brotherhood has vowed to keep up their protests, despite the arrests.
"Let's begin with full force and peacefulness a new wave of majestic anti-coup action," the Brotherhood-led Anti-Coup Alliance said in a statement on Friday.

More than 20 Muslim Brotherhood supporters were also arrested on Thursday on accusations of belonging to and passing out leaflets in support of the movement, according to Egypt's state media agency, MENA.
Anyone accused of taking part in pro-Muslim Brotherhood rallies, possessing the group's literature, or supporting the group "verbally or in writing" could be sentenced to five years in prison, the Interior Ministry said.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi vowed to wipe off earth "those who hurt Egyptians".
His pledges were renewed after another bomb on Thursday injured five people near al-Azhar.
"Egypt will stand firmly in confronting terrorism and the people will never be afraid as long as the army is present," he said during an army graduation ceremony on Thursday in Cairo.
The Muslim Brotherhood was blamed for Tuesday's attack, although an al-Qaeda-inspired group known as Ansar Bayt al-Makdis claimed responsibility.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team