Shots were fired on Sunday in the Egyptian canal city of Port Said at the funeral of people killed in clashes triggered by death sentences on supporters of a local football team.
Shots were fired on Sunday in the Egyptian canal city of Port Said at the funeral of people killed in clashes triggered by death sentences on supporters of a local football team.
Thousands had joined the funeral procession after noon prayers when loud gunfire sent mourners running in several directions amid chaotic scenes before calm was restored.
Clashes between security forces and demonstrators led to 10 deaths at least on Friday. Demonstrations on Saturday brought another 30 deaths in Port Said, while another protester in Cairo died of his wounds.
Nearly all demonstrators who took to the streets on the second anniversary of Egypt's revolution were protesting against rule by the Muslim Brotherhood and President Mohammad Mursi.
Protesters believe the Constitutional Assembly formed in 2012 never represented Egypt's diverse population but was dominated by Islamists. Earlier, when it was still unclear whether Mursi would be declared the winner of the presidential polls, he had promised secular groups that he would try to put together a representative assembly.
Opposition groups reject dialogue without clear concessions being made in advance. Demonstrators see no other choice but to voice their frustrations in the street. And more than a few are increasingly open to using violence. This time in Cairo, the demonstrations were more openly provocative.
Hatred for the police and military is felt by many in the opposition. In Port Said, frustrations are high because the city is where a court sentenced 21 fans of the Al-Massri soccer club to death.
On February 1, 2012, 74 fans of Cairo-based team Al-Ahly lost their lives when the Al-Massri group attacked them. But there are a number of indications that this wasn't just a 'normal' football stadium tragedy, but that security forces were involved. Nine high-ranking police officers have also been charged, but their fate will not be decided until March 9.
Meanwhile, the bloody street fighting continues in many Egyptian cities. Early Saturday evening, police and demonstrators fought near the provisional parliament in Cairo. In Port Said, the police headquarters was also set on fire.
The opposing National Salvation Front (NSF) held Mursi responsible for the unrest and demanded the formation of an emergency government in his place.
