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.
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.
The anti-Morsi crowd, mostly men, 18 to 35 years old, fell back while throwing rocks and shooting firecrackers at their assailants, who were chanting “God is Great” as they attacked.
Wednesday night's violence, which left more than 200 injured according to the Ministry of Health, was instigated for the second time by a few thousand Morsi supporters, who marched to the presidential palace following a call from the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
