Skip to main content

Morsi Supporters Attack Opposition Demonstrators

Mohannad Sabry gives a first-hand report on the violent confrontations precipitated by supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi against those protesting him.
Supporters of Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi hold a banner reading: "Yes for the President's decisions" outside the presidential palace in Cairo December 5, 2012. Islamists fought protesters outside the Egyptian president's palace on Wednesday, while inside the building his deputy proposed a way to end a crisis over a draft constitution that has split the most populous Arab nation. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)

CAIRO — Hundreds of Islamist supporters loyal to President Mohammed Morsi attacked opposition demonstrators who had gathered to protest Morsi’s recent actions, including the assumption of sweeping executive powers, triggering the worst political crisis in the country since the revolution which overthrew President  Hosni Mubarak.

Armed with metal pipes, thick tree branches and an unending supply of fist-size rocks, the attacking crowds chased their opponents down the main boulevard stretching in front of Egypt’s presidential palace.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.