Renewed Clashes Grip Egypt, At Least 3 Dead

Posted February 3rd, 2012 at 10:05 am (UTC-5)
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Violence spreading across Egypt's cities Friday killed at least three people in growing fallout from a deadly soccer riot.

Anger over the inability of security forces to prevent Wednesday's soccer stampede that left 74 dead in Port Said has evolved into demonstrations calling for the ruling military council to surrender power to a civilian government.

The sound of gunfire, tear gas cannisters and rocks smashing against police shields filled the air in and around Cairo's historic Tahrir Square following Friday prayers. One doctor treating protesters near the square told the Associated Press that his field hospital has been overwhelmed by the injured.

One protester was killed near the Interior Ministry, which has been a flashpoint for demonstrations. Two more protesters died in clashes in Suez, where thousands took to the streets. The French news agency said another 30 were wounded.

Thousands of Egyptians also took to the streets in Alexandria.

The Health Ministry says almost 400 people have been injured in clashes with police in recent days, most overcome by tear gas. But protesters say security forces have increasingly turned to more deadly means, using live ammunition to repel their demonstrations.

Police have arrested 47 suspects for the soccer match mayhem. And the military council's Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi declared three days of national mourning and vowed to find the culprits.

Egypt's military-appointed prime minister also said the government has fired the board of Egypt's soccer federation and suspended Port Said's governor and security chiefs.

Lawmakers in Egypt's newly empowered parliament blamed police inaction for the tragedy and voted to conduct an investigation.

Western media quote survivors of the riot as describing how police negligence had facilitated Wednesday night's bloody events. Fans reported that security officers stood by as supporters of the winning home team, Al-Masry, attacked those of the top Cairo club, Al-Ahly, stabbing them and throwing them off bleachers. Panicked fans rushed for the exits but were crushed against locked gates.

Sepp Blatter, the head of world soccer's governing body, FIFA, sent a letter to Egypt's soccer federation demanding a full explanation of the disaster and calling it a “black day for football.” Egypt's soccer league has been suspended indefinitely

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