Egyptian police have used tear gas to quash numerous protests across the country, arresting dozens of people rallying against the military rule and recently passed legislation outlawing spontaneous rallies near places of worship.
Thirty protesters were arrested in Cairo, while 43 others were
detained in the provinces, the ministry of Interior said in a
statement, AFP reports.
In Cairo’s protest after prayers in the districts of Mohandesee
and Haram, police used tear gas to stop clashes between
supporters and opponents of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.
Pro Muslim Brotherhood supporters, that have been staging
protests almost daily since July, were holding placards showing
solidarity logo with those killed in pro-Morsi protest rallies
last August.
"Down, down with military rule!" the protesters chanted.
In Al-Arish, in the Sinai province, a rally which also started
after Friday prayers, was dispersed by the security forces after
firing teargas at demonstrators.
Riot police clashed with Islamist supporters of Morsi in Fayyum
province, where a policeman sustained a head injury as law
officers scuffled with pro-Morsi protesters after Friday prayers,
Al-Ahram's Arabic reported.
In Alexandria, three rallies by Muslim Brotherhood supporters
were also dispersed after the prayers.
Minya, Beni Suef, Shabin El-Kom also witnessed mass rallies.
In Gharbiya governorate demonstrators tried to hold a motorcycle
rally before being attacked by local residents, Ahram online
reports.
Friday’s protests were organized by the National Alliance to
Support Legitimacy, Muslim Brotherhood. The rallies demanded the
release of pro-Morsi activists detained since July, when
president Morsi lost power. They also want the government to face
responsibility for their violent actions. But their number one
aim is for Morsi to be reinstated.
Under a recently passed law, police have to be given at least
three days’ notice for the government to approve a rally. Any
violation of the law is punishable with fines and jail sentences.