This week’s round of Friday protests ended with minor clashes and the arrest of 22 individuals, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Interior Friday night.
Marches were forcibly dispersed in Alexandria, Cairo and Fayoum, as students at Al-Azhar university clashed with security forces at the university’s dorms immediately following Friday prayers.
The ministry’s statement announced that 22 were arrested, and a number of the protesters were allegedly caught with shotguns, birdshot cartridges, knives and Molotov cocktails.
Two bombs were also discovered under the Suez Bridge in Cairo and the Ahmed Orabi Bridge in Giza. The bombs were both successfully diffused.
Security was stepped up around Giza and Cairo ahead of planned demonstrations Friday, with security forces deploying to Rabaa Al-Adaweya Mosque and security directorates in Cairo and Giza.
Last week’s Friday protests resulted in the arrest of 61 protesters. The Ministry of Interior released a statement saying a number of the arrested “Brotherhood terrorist elements” allegedly had pistols and ammunition, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks. The statement also alleged that a Brotherhood “leader” was arrested.
Friday protests have become common occurrences as pro-Morsi protesters gather after prayers in support of the ousted Islamist leader.
The Anti-Coup Alliance, the largest pro-Morsi opposition bloc, frequently organises marches that gather from various mosques around the country to call for the reinstatement of ousted Morsi and his Freedom and Justice party government.
