Regional: Egypts

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Deadly clashes continue at Egypt's Tahrir Square

An army-erected brick wall has become a central point in the running battles around Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Overnight, protesters tried to tear down the barrier to reach parliament. For the fifth consecutive day, opponents of continued army rule have clashed with security forces. Protesters claim soldiers are using live rounds to chase them away.

At least 13 people are now said to have been killed since Friday but some of those who have taken part say the latest attack produced more casualties.

Signs of violence are clearly visible in the day but it is at night when the disturbances erupt. Authorities have blamed what they call “evil forces” of trying to sow the seeds of chaos and say soldiers have shown “self-restraint” despite provocation.

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Egypt's army defends methods against opponents

Four days of violence between Egyptian security forces and opponents of army rule have left at least 13 people dead.

International criticism has been levelled at the army’s handling of the crisis, while at the same time activists are suspicious of some of those appearing to be protesting with them.

“What I am seeing here are covered faces that I have never seen before, I believe they are paid agents,’‘ claimed one protester.

Another said:“The solution is the immediate handover of power and the trial of everyone who is responsible for all this.”

Defending the methods against protesters, Major General Adel Emara, a member of the Egyptian ruling military council, blamed what he called “evil forces”.

“There was a unique model of Egyptian people cooperating with their own army at the beginning of the revolution but this cooperation has irritated others who have their own agenda,” he said. “Their real aim is to topple the state.”

To support their position, the army released footage purporting to show peaceful protesters destroying Cairo’s scientific centre.

But having arrested scores of others and used what many see as excessive force, Egyptians remain shocked by the tactics of the army.

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