Cairo clashes leave almost 130 injured

An overnight curfew has been imposed around Cairo’s defence ministry, after protesters clashed with security forces.
Almost 130 people are reported wounded. According to a private TV station, three people were also killed.

Demonstrators turned out to renew their calls for an end to military rule. They are also furious about candidates being barred from standing in the upcoming presidential election.

The crowd hurled projectiles and insults at the soldiers, sent in to shield the Defence ministry after 11 people were killed in fighting there on Wednesday.

The army responded by firing water cannon and then tear gas. More than 80 of the injured were taken to hospital.

“The ruling council wants to give the impression it is protecting the citizens, but which citizens will it protect after all these killings?” one protester asked.

Egypt’s presidential election is less than three weeks away. It is seen as an important step towards democracy.

However, there is a real suspicion amongst the demonstrators that the military will continue wielding power.

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