EgyptWest AsiaWorld News

Violent clashes erupt near al-Azhar University in Cairo

342225_Egyptian-studentS

Heavy clashes have erupted between riot police and anti-military protesters near the al-Azhar university in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The students were attacked after Friday prayers as they protested against the army-backed government.

Several people have been injured as police fired tear gas and bird shot at students from al-Azhar University.

The students were demonstrating as part of a spreading protest movement in universities against the current interim authorities.

Egyptian universities have been the scene of violent protests in recent months after the start of the academic year in September.

Similar violence has been also reported from the city of Giza and the northern provinces of Beni Suef and Qena in Upper Egypt.

In Qena, several protesters were rounded up after police used force to break up their rally.

On Thursday, the interim government arrested 200 activists and Brotherhood members. It also threatened supporters of ousted president, Mohamed Morsi, with jail terms if they join rallies organized by the Muslim Brotherhood.

The military-backed government of Adly Mansour has launched a bloody crackdown on Morsi supporters and arrested more than 2,000 Muslim Brotherhood members over the past few months.

The interim government took power after Morsi was ousted by the army on July 3.

Hundreds of supporters of the group have been killed in clashes with the army over the past few months.

Back to top button