(AFP/ file photo)
By Fatma Khaled
Clashes erupted Tuesday night in the northern Delta city of Mit Ghamr between Morsi supporters, police and local residents, leaving more than 20 injured.
Ahmad Hamdy, secretary and media spokesman for Al-Dostour Party, stated that 1,000 supporters of the former president had launched a march to Dar Al-Emam, a Muslim Brotherhood stronghold.
“Residents of the area [had been upset] by the supporters’ chants before the clashes broke out between them, leading to assault and rock-throwing from both sides,” said Hamdy.
He added that there is currently a widespread antipathy towards the Brotherhood among local residents, which can often trigger confrontations.
Amid the clashes, several residents stormed the local Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) headquarters.
FJP spokesman Tarek Al-Morsi accused Tamarod campaign members of attacking the pro-Morsi march alongside members of the National Salvation Front (NSF) and security forces.
“They occupied the headquarters and threw away all its belongings before setting it on fire,” said Al-Morsi.
Al-Morsi claimed at least ten Morsi supporters were injured in the clash.
Eyewitnesses said that police arrested one of the Brotherhood leaders and used teargas to separate pro-Morsi protesters from the residents.
Morsi supporters have been taking to the streets nationwide since the president’s ouster on 3 July.
