Large crowds were again seen streaming into Tahrir Square on Monday - defying attempts by security forces to end the protests in what had been the symbolic heart of demonstrations against Hosni Mubarak earlier in the year.
-
Large
crowds were again seen streaming into Tahrir Square on Monday - defying
attempts by security forces to end the protests in what had been the
symbolic heart of demonstrations against Hosni Mubarak earlier in the
year. -
In
recent weeks, protesters - mostly Islamists and young activists - have
been holding demonstrations against a draft constitution that they say
would allow the military to retain too much power after a new civilian
government is elected. -
State
television reported in the early hours of Monday that a truce had been
agreed between the security forces and the imam of Tahrir Square's main
Omar Makram mosque, but it did not apply to streets leading to the
interior ministry where much of the fighting has been taking place. -
TV footage showed tear gas being fired into the crowds as security forces again attempted to disperse protesters. -
The health ministry has confirmed at least 22 deaths during the weekend unrest. -
The latest violence is some of the worst in months between the Egyptian authorities and demonstrators. -
This
is the longest continuous protest since President Mubarak was ousted in
February and casts a shadow over elections due to start next week.
