Police in Cairo fire tear gas, birdshot at protestors
Print Edition
POLICE fired tear gas and birdshot yesterday to disperse hundreds of demonstrators calling on Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to step down over his government’s decision to surrender control over two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.
The clash in Mesaha square in Cairo’s Dokki district took place as thousands of police and soldiers were deployed across the Egyptian capital ahead of the planned demonstrations over the islands, a thorny issue which has already sparked the largest protests since President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi assumed power nearly two years ago.
Following the arrest of dozens of activists and journalists in recent days, riot police backed by armored vehicles yesterday took up positions in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the epicenter of Egypt’s 2011 uprising, They were also deployed on the ring road, downtown and at a square where hundreds of Islamist protesters were killed when security forces broke up their sit-in in August 2013.
Many of the protest organizers’ gathering points were sealed off by police, including the doctors’ and journalists’ unions in central Cairo. Pedestrians near the Press Syndicate were stopped by police, who asked for IDs and about their destination before turning many of them away. Minivans loaded with plainclothes policemen were also deployed in the likely flashpoints.
The military said in a video released late on Sunday that troops were deployed to protect “vital and important installations” and deal with anyone who tries to “harm the people’s interests or attempt to ruin their happiness” on Sinai Liberation Day, a national holiday marking the completion of Israel’s withdrawal from the peninsula in 1982.
Egyptian warplanes roared over Cairo to mark yesterday’s anniversary, but the military kept a low profile on the ground except for areas near military headquarters and the presidential palace. The Interior Ministry said police were out in force to protect “peaceful” citizens who wish to celebrate. Dozens of people waving Egyptian flags celebrated with music and dancing in Mohandiseen district.
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