At least 19 people are reported injured in scuffles between supporters and opponents of Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi in Alexandria, report local media. Tensions have been running high ahead of the constitutional referendum set for Saturday.
Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city, was engulfed in violence after over 2,000 people rallied around a central mosque in support of the draft constitution. The document is backed by Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, who went ahead with a referendum on the national charter despite the recent unrest in the country.
Prominent preacher Ahmed Mahalawy urged Alexandria worshippers to vote 'Yes' in the constitutional referendum, saying it would bring stability, reports Ahram Online.
This provoked protest from opponents of the draft document, fueling the already volatile situation. Several cars were torched while supporters and opponents of Morsi hurled stones at each other. The fighting slowly spread from the mosque where Friday prayers were held to main roads.
Security forces had to be deployed to the scene. At least four men were arrested and scores of knives were confiscated. Nineteen people were injured in the scuffles, the Associated Press reports.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment