Violence across Egypt continues, death count rising

Egypt continues to protest, despite ongoing clashes with police.

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CAIRO: In Port Said, a court verdict in the case of a football massacre last February sparked violent attacks by families of the defendants sentenced to death on the prison they are housed. The resulting violence has left at least 27 people dead, on both sides, as Egypt is looking grim on the Saturday after violent clashes marked the second anniversary of the January 25, 2011 uprising.

The military has been deployed in an effort to stem the growing anger and frustration that has resulted in the widespread clashes.

In Suez, clashes have erupted sporadically after at least 9 people were killed by gunfire on Friday, including a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old.

In Cairo, protesters have set tires ablaze on the main 6th of October Bridge leading through the city as violent clashes continue in downtown Cairo a stones throw from the iconic Tahrir Square.

For protesters, it is the part of their ongoing frustration and anger toward the government and their leaders in the two years since the popular uprising ousted former dictator Hosni Mubarak.

Tear gas is a near constant on Youssif el-Guindy street in central Cairo, as protesters continue their battles with police. Much of the frustration from their side towards the security forces stems from the original 18 days of revolution, when at least 1,000 Egyptians were killed in fighting for change. Since then, numerous other clashes and violence has occurred, but no top security official has been charged with killing protesters.

On Friday, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians poured into city centers across the country to mark the second anniversary of the January 2011 uprising that ousted former dictator Hosni Mubarak from power. The violence in Suez, east of Cairo, was the most violent and the reports of deaths is unlikely to see the situation become more calm.

“We will be here until our demands are heard,” 22-year-old Ahmed, donning his “V for Vendetta” mask, told Bikyanews.com on Friday evening.

It is still unclear what happens next for the country and even protesters Bikyanews.com spoke with on Friday and Saturday did not have any ideas for what future they were fighting for, save for one different from the present.

BN