CAIRO (AP) - Security forces fired tear gas and clashed Monday with several thousand protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square in the third straight day of violence that has killed at least 22 people and has turned into the most sustained challenge yet to the rule of Egypt's military.
Throughout the day, young activists demanding the military hand over power to a civilian government skirmished with black-clad police, hurling stones and firebombs and throwing back the tear gas canisters being fired by police in to the square, which was the epicenter of the protest movement that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.
The night before saw an escalation of the fighting as police launched a heavy assault that tried and failed to clear protesters from the square. In a show of the ferocity of the assault, the death toll quadrupled from Sunday evening until Monday morning. During the overnight clashes, police hit a makeshift field clinic operated by protesters in the square, forcing them to evacuate bloodied wounded to a nearby mosque.
The eruption of violence, which began Saturday, reflects the frustration and confusion that has mired Egypt's revolution since Mubarak fell in February and the military stepped into power.
It comes only a week before Egypt is to begin the first post-Mubarak parliamentary elections, which many have hoped would be a significant landmark in a transition to democracy. Instead, it has been clouded by anger at the military's top body, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which will continue to rule as head of state even after the vote. Activists accuse the generals of acting increasingly in the same autocratic way as Mubarak's regime and seeking to cling to power.
The military says it will only hand over power after presidential elections, which it has vaguely said will be held in late 2012 or early 2013. The protesters are demanding an immediate move to civilian rule.
The Health Ministry said Monday that at least 22 people have been killed since the violence began Saturday - a jump from the toll of five dead around nightfall Sunday.
The violence looks set to intensify with some of the protesters on Monday lobbing firebombs at the police.
"We must use force against force. We cannot just throw stones at them," said Hassan Mohammed, a protester in his 20s.
"Do you expect us to meet blood with kindness?" asked a bearded teenager climbing a tree with a firebomb in hand. "We will burn it under their feet," he added as he went on to use expletive against the Supreme Council's head, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi.
Doctors at field hospitals set up in the square spoke of scores of protesters arriving with breathing and eye problems and wounds to the face from what they said was the excessive use of tear gas and rubber bullets.
Mohammed Mustafa, one of the doctors, said his field hospital was treating an average of 80 cases per hour and that many of the wounded did not want to be taken to hospital in ambulances because they feared arrest.
The protesters' suspicions about the military were fed by a proposal issued by the military-appointed Cabinet last week that would shield the armed forces from any civilian oversight and give the generals veto power over legislation dealing with military affairs.
But other concerns are also feeding the tensions on the street. Many Egyptians are anxious about what the impending elections will bring. Specifically they worry that stalwarts of Mubarak's ruling party could win a significant number of seats in the next parliament because the military did not ban them from running for public office as requested by activists.
The military's failure to issue such a ban has fed widely held suspicion that the generals are reluctant to dismantle the old regime, partly out of loyalty to Mubarak, their longtime mentor.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces issued a statement, read on state TV Sunday night, saying it does not intend to "extend the transitional period and will not permit by any means hindering the process of democratic transition."
The military-backed Cabinet said the elections due to start on Nov. 28 will go ahead as scheduled.
Activists have been holding occasional protests against the military in Tahrir for months, and some have seen crackdowns by the military or police.
But this weekend's violence was the most sustained fighting between the two sides. It began when security forces stormed a sit-in at Tahrir staged by several hundred protesters wounded in clashes during the 18-day uprising in January and February and frustrated by the slow pace of bringing those responsible to justice.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
CAIRO (AP) - An Egyptian morgue official says the death toll has climbed to 35 during the third straight day of violence that has turned into the most sustained challenge yet to the rule of Egypt's military.
Most of the deaths were in the area around Cairo's central Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the uprising that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak in February.
On Monday, young activists demanding the military hand over power to a civilian government skirmished with black-clad police, hurling stones and firebombs and throwing back the tear gas canisters being fired by police into the square.
The official said 20 people had been killed Monday. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.
44 comments:
It's sad that the public has had to resort to violence for what could have ben a much more peaceful movement. The military needs to hand over government control to the civilians. However, the protestors need to protest peacefully. If they would just look at how peaceful protests have worked out in the past, they would see that they can change the direction of Egypt for the better.
Considering the ruthlessness with which the military is handling the protestors, it seems unlikely that they will hand over power after the election - not peacefully, at least. I don't understand why police are treating the civilians so brutally (though the protestors can be brutal, as well) with the intention of surrendering power a year from now. Why just stave them off?
This violence is completely avoidable. The protesters have their rights, but there is no reason that this cannot be civil. The US is just trying to help. We wouldn't be doing any of this if it wasn't in their best interest. The protesters are being unreasonable with their actions, and they should have expected this retaliation from the law enforcement. This could easily be a win win situation.
Every time the new and the old clash, there will be casualties. The American transition from a single-ruler to a democracy was paved with the bodies of revolutionaries. The Egyptian revolt is much the same, just a different location. I would expect the death tole to rise even higher, into the 100's, before full democracy is seen in the region. The old rule will stay for as long as they can, fighting for their existence.
It is frightening and sad to hear about more violence in Egypt. After winning their initial battle, the Egyptian people have yet another challenge to overcome. I agree with the protesters and think that the government should be in the hands of the people. They were the ones that brought about the recent changes after all. I hope Egypt can hold presidential elections soon and avoid further violence.
Both sides should approach this in a more delicate method. I get that the civilians have no choice but go use 'force against force', but at this rate, more civilians are going to be gone with nothing legitimately done yet. There has to be some form of compromise from either side; It is impossible to shift to civilian hands immediately just as it is possible for the military to kill everyone if they continue on.
The only real solution to this will be a complete overhaul of the Egyptian government. The protesters won't be satisfied so long as there is any chance that a holdover from Mubarak's regime could take the power from the people again. They need to phase out everybody who had a position of power in Mubarak's government at a pace that keeps the entire system from collapsing. Only once all traces of Mubarak's rule are gone will there be a chance for everybody to move on.
I am all for the activists protesting against the use of military power in Egypt and it would be better and less violent if the military hands over their power to a civil and more reasonable government. Can't the military see all the trouble and chaos that has occurred because of them and, especially, Mubarak? Don't they see that it's time for change and a new and better government? However, I don't think it's a good idea for the protesters to be throwing firebombs at the police because 1) they are high authority and will fight back just as hard, 2) fighting doesn't always solve problems, and 3) if the protesters want a civil government, then they need to act civil first and negotiate with the military, or find other ways to get want without violence, to show the military and current government that they will do whatever it takes, in civil and non-violent ways, to get justice and peace back into Egypt.
It is sad that the corruption in some parts of the world is so great that there is not really a chance of a non-corrupt government ever taking hold. These citizens just want change and a chance to have what others in this world have. But, it seems, even with elections, that they will never get away from that first regime they were so eager to ban. It is also sad how easy it is to be made corrupt from the power you hold. The military in Cairo has just become another power seeking regime.
I don't think that they will get far using firebombs to try and get a strong military government. If they want to win with power, they will have to get help from other governments and upgrade their equipment. They will have to make their revolution more like Libya's.
The issue surrounding Egypt is that the military got power after Mubarak died. I do not want to say this, but I think it is time for the US to intervene like we did in Libya. Along with that, the military should never be given power because even the military has an ''authoritarian" hierarchy, which it is implementing now. The people of Egypt need to understand this. They are revolting, which is the first step. They need to go to the second step and completely "blockade" them by stopping to buy unnecessary goods which fulfill their tax requirements. When these products are not being purchased, the military will not be able to "rule". Then, when the military is in a decline, a good leader can come up and lead. The people who are dying there are dying for Egypt's future. The protests must continue in order to actually establish a democracy there.
The battle seems to not have ended with the reign of Mubarak, but just started. This time will be the most important in Egypt's history as we find out if there will truly be a changing of the guard into a democracy, or if the protests were all just for a new face on a rule without citizen opinion. The military has no reason to give up the power, as if they have it, and the means to keep it why would they be willing to turn it over to someone else who would not give them near the reach they have now? They will probably allow elections to be held in a few years, and in that time will orchestrate it to where there are only candidates that will continue to give them unmatched power, there seems to not be much that the protesters can do at the moment, and Egypt looks as if it will continue the status quo.
This is ridicules! But the protestors are right if the police are going to fight dirty than they have no choice but to return the favor. The military needs to. One to an agreement with the civilians. I agree there can not be just a civilians running the country, however to make ammends which needs to be done there needs to be some kind of negotiation between civilians and the military that is running it at the moment. Something needs to be done to stop the chaos within the country itself.
The military and the activists should work out a way to get out of this mess. The government should pay closer attention to the activists' complaints and also consider the situations of the military. They should figure out a solution that would satisfy both groups.
The military and the activists should work out a way to get out of this mess. The government should pay closer attention to the activists' complaints and also consider the situations of the military. They should figure out a solution that would satisfy both groups.
The military and the activists should work out a way to get out of this mess. The government should pay closer attention to the activists' complaints and also consider the situations of the military. They should figure out a solution that would satisfy both groups.
Many Egyptians see how our country is today with America being a democracy, and how every citizen has their own rights and freedom. To them it is not fair, and the protesters are willing to do whatever it takes to change that, but it is unbelievable how violent these riots are. Almost every riot that I hear of has at least a handful of people injured, or in the worst case scenario, one or two people dead, but with the death toll rising every day and coming close to almost 40 people dead is unacceptable. Their military needs to take action in a less vicious way and try to work out some sort of agreement with the citizens of Cairo soon, or the next headline we see might say “Cairo Covered in Ash”.
The people are just showing who they want in government they do not care for the military to be in government. The protestors wants what is best for them. If the military doesn't listen then more deaths will occur. If the military stays in government who knows what will happen. Actions should be taken to stop the violence that is happening.
This is completely outrageous these death rates are going to increase unlesss something is done to satisfy the protestors. The military needs to step down and give the power back to the ones that had. What is it going to take to get the military to understand that the protestors are not going to stop until they get what they want in government. If nothing is done who knows how many people will have died.
I believe that the police have every right to use force against these protesters when and ONLY when they attack physically attack an officer. For example, the protesters at Occupy Wall Street were complaining and whining about the police using force against them when one of their own was accidentally killed by a bean bag that was intended to stun the protester. Now, because of the liberal media, the only side of the story which is presented to the public is that "the big bad police shot an innocent young man displaying his rights as an American Citizen..." what the liberal media doesn't tell you is that this "innocent young man" was actually highly intoxicated and was throwing beer bottles at the law enforcement. In said situations, an officer has the right to employ physical force if he or she feels threatened or if his or her job is kept from being efficient. Now, on the other hand, police force can be brutal and too extreme, especially in cases of martial law, in which I believe the citizens have every right to fight against the police. There is a fine line separating these two different situations, however if police are trying to protect the citizens then let them do their job. Even if it means shooting a drunken, jobless, feeble drain on society.
though it seems that the military has no other option than to defend their country, the tyrannical nature of rulers who take over for tyrants in the middle east is a trend that seems unbreakable. i support the protesters in that they are fighting for democracy and have every right after they broke the bonds of government which mubarak had created to do so. they need to keep fighting to face the whole world with the dilemma of democracy or continued violence so that pressure will be put on the military police. the police though have a point in their stance in that democratic elections in the middle east have led to such rulers as sadam. this whole issue is confusing and the dust will only be cleared if the people of this country allow democracy to run its course.
Too many people are being killed, its horrifying and the police need to give in to the mobs that are protesting. Obviously they are extremely overruled. After Egypt's parliament elects a new ruler, hopefully the violence will cease.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, needs to be willing to compromise if they are want to put and end to the violence. The general population has clear reason to be afraid that the Supreme Council is or will be abusing their power and the protestors obviously feel that their needs and wishes are not being represented by this military head of state. The Supreme Council needs to set a date for the elections, a date much sooner than the end of 2012 or early 2013 if they want to see a change in the level of protests.
I recently saw an update the other day that said the radical Muslim Brotherhood has backed out of the protests and riots because they are expected to take power in Egypt. This could be a terrible precedent to set in the Mediterranean region. With all the unrest in the area, from Libya to Greece, it wouldn't be hard for the Brotherhood to incite more violence in surrounding countries. They tried this when the London riots broke out. They used social media to keep the riots going as long as they could. If they were to be successful with a country like Greece, which has a recent history of violent rioting, they could slip into power there, either directly or by proxy. I expect this to happen in Libya and Syria at some point, and with this news about Egypt, I fear the coming of a sort of Mediterranean Domino Effect.
These protesters are fighting for a good cause. They are only acting violently because the police are using tear gas and bombs. If the government wants the violence to stop in the epicenter and surrounding area then they should hold the election immediately instead of putting it off until late 2012 or early 2013. I think the protesters have every right to retaliate with violence and should continue their protest.
Clearly the Egyptian military cannot be left in charge of handling protesters if the death toll has rose from 22 people to 34 people. It is unfortunate that these people have lost their lives for their cause and the Egyptian government should realize that they need to move the election for president up because if they don't more lives will be taken.
For the sake of the Egyptian people, I seriously hope this conflict resolves quickly and in their favor. They have suffered under Mubarak's rule only to come under the power of an all-powerful military. However, the military's reluctance to hand over power tells that the stuggle for democracy will continue to be a long and bloody one.
Th deaths that these riots have caused are very unnecessary. I understand fighting for something you believe in, especially when the opposing force is using bombs and other tactics to stop you by force. The issue with be resolved at some point in 2012 or 2013 and killing people right now is just stupid. I hope the issue gets resolved soon because its very sad what is happening.
It's scary that this many people have been killed over elections that are supposed to take place a year or so from now. The people of Egypt are obviously not happy with the current state of affairs, in order for the violence to stop the military must do something. It is fool hardy for them to try and hold on to the power they are going to lose eventually anyway. It is also a terrible idea for them not to get rid of all traces of the regime before them. Looking as if they support a hated system only inflames the public more. It looks like Egypt is headed down a very bad road to me.
It's scary that this many people have been killed over elections that are supposed to take place a year or so from now. The people of Egypt are obviously not happy with the current state of affairs, in order for the violence to stop the military must do something. It is fool hardy for them to try and hold on to the power they are going to lose eventually anyway. It is also a terrible idea for them not to get rid of all traces of the regime before them. Looking as if they support a hated system only inflames the public more. It looks like Egypt is headed down a very bad road to me.
If the Egyptian military weren't so controlling, they wouldnt be having these problems. The fact that they are planning to have elections is a step forward, but the military will still be in control afterwards, they said so themselves. What's the point of have a parliamentary election if the military is still going to be in power? Its good that the military claims that they will hand over power after a presidential election but they only "vaguely" say when it will be, if ever. Why are they letting this chaos go on for so long? Why not just get the elections over with now? The need for supreme power in the world has gotten out of hand. Its doing the Egyptian military no good to keep up with this, they are only hurting themselves. The protesters are never going to give up. Making a democracy out of this will be messy, but they have to keep that goal in mind or else it will only get worse and they will only end up in a bigger mess.
Egypt takes pride in their own people so the amount of violence that is occurring is quiet surprising. That tells that there is really something that is widely agreed that needs to be changed. The tension within the country, because of elections, only fuels the violence. The death toll shows just how widespread it is and that there needs to be change or it will continue to get worse.
Violence is always caused by a protest and it is always in the news, whether it is about this or "Occupy Wall Street." The headline story of 35 people being dead frightens all, especially the citizens and residents of Cairo, however, the truth is that they truly are a peaceful community. They are just misunderstood, like every other activist out there. The real problem is the military acting too rash and trying to blame all this commotion on the protesters, when in fact, they should question how the government tries to solve the country's problems (which causes the unwanted riots).
I am not certain whether or not my current event was submitted to you, but I am doing this again just in case.
Violence has been a common topic in news long before now. With this and Occupy Wall Street, many people have started getting misconceptions. The activists are just misunderstood, they are just fighting their rights because they feel like the government has taken it away from them. Cairo is a "peaceful community." However, the military has gotten way out of hand and they are simply using their authority to kill those who do not have the same opinion as the government.
If I were an Egyptian citizen, I would be concerned that the government was attempting to prevent the creation of a democratic system. The fact that security forces killed 35 people in a protest that was promoting the very thing the government was claiming they wanted too, raises several questions as to the integrity of the government of Egypt. I believe the likelihood of remaining loyalties to Mubarak within governmental officials is high
Hopefully the military keeps their word and holds presidential elections. Until then violence and rebellion by civilians isnt going to help. They have to remember their going up against soldiers with guns and that even though homemade weapons may harm them its not killing them. Side note maybe the military could use less tear gas, 80 cases per hour due to over use is ridiculous.
someone needs to step up and take control of this country fast. There is too much violence going on and its not getting any better. I know it takes time to establish a whole new goverment but i guess the people there just dont understand. The military needs to find better ways to control and to calm down civilians before elections. I also believe elections need to be as soon as possible, its going to be a long year in 2012 if elections occur in 2013.
The Egyptian people have unfortunately traded one oppressive government for another.
The rebellion has led to major tension within the government and the voice of the common man within Egypt. People are being killed to have a voice in their own county. Even though Mubarak has been thrown out of office, the Egyptian Regime has been acting as the head of state and will for a while. This is absolutely outrageous and sad at the same time.
I think it's good that the Egyptian government is evolving but the development could be a lot more efficient than it is now. The violence and rising death toll are not helping the cause of the civilians and is being counterproductive in regard to the overall goal of civilian-run democratic government. The best thing to do in this siuation would be to set up a military-civilian conference to resolve issues and form a compromise in a diplomatic way.
I think it's good that the Egyptian government is evolving but the development could be a lot more efficient than it is now. The violence and rising death toll are not helping the cause of the civilians and is being counterproductive in regard to the overall goal of civilian-run democratic government. The best thing to do in this siuation would be to set up a military-civilian conference to resolve issues and form a compromise in a diplomatic way
I believe the civilians are acting only with fear. It's not their fault they're being treated with such violence from the military and their only reaction is to protect themselves. Just like one of the civilians quoted said, they can't fight violence with kindness and be expected to feel safe. If the military's actions were to be controlled then maybe there wouldn't be such violence. I feel the civilians are not to be blamed here, but only to be seen as victims.
The police forces in Egypt are causeing more harm than good by taking such extreme measures to control the protestors. This could result in the protestors not only fighting for their primary cause but revolting against the police forces in cairo.
This whole thing is getting out of hand and i dont understand why the police would use force at a sit-in. Im certain protesters dont get aggresive a sit-in. The police should leave them alone, have restrictions, but definently leave them alone. Also these protesters are some commited people, throwing back tear gas cans can not be an easy task .
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