In this January 26, 2013 photo, demonstrators throw stones at security forces who respond with tear gas in front of international hotels along the Nile in downtown Cairo, Egypt.
In this January 26, 2013 photo, demonstrators throw stones at security forces who respond with tear gas in front of international hotels along the Nile in downtown Cairo,
CAIRO, EGYPT — Egyptian authorities appear caught between trying to contain escalating anti-government violence and refraining from the heavy-handed tactics that led to the toppling of the old system. Authorities said Sunday that 31 people have died in clashes in Port Said, after a court delivered death sentences in a football riot case.
The coastal city of Port Said was reeling Sunday from a burst of violence as rival football gangs, known as Ultras, and anti-government protesters turned the streets into a battleground. Many residents remained indoors, as the military increased security, including at key installations such as the port and the Suez Canal and roads leading into town.
In Zagazig, near the Delta hometown of President Mohamed Morsi, clashes between pro- and anti-government forces broke out Sunday. In Suez, angry youths kept up protests which have already claimed several lives. And in Cairo, riot police and protesters continued to trade tear gas and fire bombs on the streets leading into Tahir Square, two days after the nation marked the anniversary of the 2011 revolution.
Anger has largely turned toward President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters, who protesters say have failed to bring political, economic or social justice since coming to power last year.
In response to the violence, Information Minister Salah Abdel Maqsoud said the National Defense Council is calling for dialogue.
He said the group, which includes Morsi, wants "independent, nationalistic personalities" to lead a discussion on the country's political divisions.
The Port Said violence erupted after a court handed death sentences to 21 people involved in a football riot that left 72 fans dead last year. Many blamed the government for not addressing what they said was security's role in failing to prevent the stadium disaster. Ultras have long been suspicious of the police, and have been a strong force during the uprising against the old government, and in protests against the interim military rulers and the current leadership.
That so many people died during clashes in response to the death sentences imposed Saturday, which were themselves a response to deadly riots, has left many in Egypt both stunned and weary.
The coastal city of Port Said was reeling Sunday from a burst of violence as rival football gangs, known as Ultras, and anti-government protesters turned the streets into a battleground. Many residents remained indoors, as the military increased security, including at key installations such as the port and the Suez Canal and roads leading into town.
In Zagazig, near the Delta hometown of President Mohamed Morsi, clashes between pro- and anti-government forces broke out Sunday. In Suez, angry youths kept up protests which have already claimed several lives. And in Cairo, riot police and protesters continued to trade tear gas and fire bombs on the streets leading into Tahir Square, two days after the nation marked the anniversary of the 2011 revolution.
Anger has largely turned toward President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters, who protesters say have failed to bring political, economic or social justice since coming to power last year.
In response to the violence, Information Minister Salah Abdel Maqsoud said the National Defense Council is calling for dialogue.
He said the group, which includes Morsi, wants "independent, nationalistic personalities" to lead a discussion on the country's political divisions.
The Port Said violence erupted after a court handed death sentences to 21 people involved in a football riot that left 72 fans dead last year. Many blamed the government for not addressing what they said was security's role in failing to prevent the stadium disaster. Ultras have long been suspicious of the police, and have been a strong force during the uprising against the old government, and in protests against the interim military rulers and the current leadership.
That so many people died during clashes in response to the death sentences imposed Saturday, which were themselves a response to deadly riots, has left many in Egypt both stunned and weary.
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