Violent clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Mahalla on Saturday after the death of a 14 year-old protester on Friday.
Dozens of protesters gathered at the Al-Shoom Square in Mahalla after the funeral of Mahmoud El-Qott, a 14 year-old protester who was hit by a car on Friday, chanting slogans criticising the Ministry of Interior and demanding punishment for El-Qott’s killer.
Mahmoud Haroun, an activist and Mahalla resident, said that security forces from the nearby Mahalla Second Police Station became angry at the protesters’ chants and attempted to disperse them. Clashes broke out between both sides, leaving 36 injured, according to Haroun.
Haroun claimed that security forces used teargas and birdshot during the clashes, adding that most of the injuries were caused by birdshot. Injured protesters were transferred to Mahalla public hospital and were discharged soon after.
Security forces detained several protesters during the clashes, according to Haroun. Most of the detained protesters were acquitted, while eight protesters remain in custody pending investigations.
On Friday, hundreds protested against President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood at Al-Bahr Street, blocking the street and preventing cars from passing through. A driver hit four protesters and ran over El-Qott as he passed through the street.
Protesters chased the car but could not catch it. The four protesters hit suffered from several fractures and were transferred to the Mahalla Public Hospital and the Tanta Public Hospital. El-Qott was also transferred to the hospital, but died shortly after he arrived.
