Morsi’s family accuses army of kidnap; clashes continue
23 Jul 2013
Supporters and opponents of Egypt's deposed president Mohammed Morsi faced off in Egypt's Giza Square in the early hours today, continuing clashes that left at least three people dead on Monday.
Meanwhile, Morsi's family on Monday accused the army of kidnapping him. His daughter Shaimaa told a news conference in Cairo that the family was taking legal measures against the army.
Morsi has been held at an undisclosed location without charge since he was removed from power on 3 July.
The fate of Morsi, who has been held without charge, has become a focus of the political battle between his Muslim Brotherhood and the new military-backed government.
No deaths have been reported so far from today's Giza Square clashes, but according to Al-Ahram's Arabic website, some people were injured as Morsi's supporters and their opponents exchanged fire.
According to the report, a pro-Morsi march disrupted traffic while heading to Giza Square, which prompted violence between the protesters and drivers. At some point, unknown assailants on the Giza Bridge opened fire on the march.
During the melee, Morsi's supporters moved to the Giza Bridge and retaliated with automatic weapons and birdshot, before some of the residents joined the fight against them.
Later on, central security forces were sent to the area and have contained the situation.
Morsi was ousted as part of the armed forces' roadmap for Egypt's future, which was enforced following mass nationwide protests against the former elected president.
Thousands of Morsi's supporters have since been calling for his reinstatement, launching marches across the nation every day since his ouster.
On Monday, hundreds of supporters of Morsi clashed with anti-Morsi protesters who have been holding a sit-in in Tahrir Square. Other clashes between both camps also erupted in the Qaliubiya province just north of Cairo, and Damietta East north of Nile Delta.
Khaled El-Khatib, head of the central administration for urgent surgery, said three were killed and 40 injured in the clashes that took place in the three cities, according to state news agency MENA.
.webp)
.webp)
