Supporters of Egypt＇s ousted President Mohammed Morsi hold his posters as they march from an assembly point by Amr Ibn Al As mosque, background, in Cairo, Egypt, July 19, 2013.
Thousands of Egyptians are answering the call of the Muslim Brotherhood, and pouring into the streets of Cairo to demand the reinstatement of President Mohamed Morsi.
Morsi supporters joined again Friday in what has been a daily sit-in outside the Rabia el-Adawiya Mosque in Cairo＇s Nasr City, a Brotherhood stronghold, while others marched near Cairo University.
Anti-Morsi activists have also planned a rally in Cairo＇s historic Tahrir Square, raising concerns of potential clashes between the two groups.
Egypt＇s military has warned it will not tolerate any violence, sending tanks and troops to various parts of the capital Friday. In some areas, soldiers set up barbed-wire barricades.
Mansour pledges to uphold security
Late Thursday, interim President Adly Mansour went on national television and pledged a "battle for security to the end" against those he says want to drive the country into chaos.
Mansour said Egypt is at a "decisive moment" and must be protected against those who are looking to bring "violence and bloodshed."
"I reaffirm to you all my commitment and the government＇s commitment to restore security and stability in our country. We will not be scared or alarmed, and we will not go easy on those who kill the innocent. We will fight a battle of security to the end, we will protect the revolution, we will build the nation and we will move forward without hesitation."
Human Rights Watch has told VOA that a general sense of lawlessness across Egypt has led to a sharp increase in sectarian attacks and human rights abuses across the country.
Although many of the protests have been peaceful, clashes between groups of protesters and with police have left dozens dead.
Muslim Brotherhood
Earlier this month, 51 Islamist protesters and three security officers died during an incident outside a compound where Morsi was believed to be held.
Morsi＇s Muslim Brotherhood does not recognize Mansour as president. It has refused to participate in a military-backed transition government or compete in upcoming elections to decide a new constitution, president and parliament.
Instead, the Islamist group hopes to keep up the pressure with constant sit-ins and protests against what it considers a military coup against Morsi, the country＇s first freely elected leader. |
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