(AFP File Photo / Gianluigi Guercia)
Protesters scuffled in Zagazig, Sharqeya on Monday night near the governorate building where members of opposition groups have been camped for several days.
Both the Muslim Brotherhood and opposition held simultaneous press conferences approximately 100 meters apart: the Brotherhood at Al-Fatah Mosque, and the opposition outside the governorate building.
Ezz El-Din El-Hawary, a member of the coordinating committee organising the 30 June protests, said members of the Muslim Brotherhood attacked their conference, claiming that they stormed in wearing helmets and wielding sticks. He added that they fired birdshot, and a member of Al-Dostour party was hit under his eye, and that at least five more were injured.
He alleged that snipers were stationed at the Aly Zaky Tower targeting the protesters. El-Hawary said even though the attackers managed to destroy the tents that were pitched on Friday, the sit-in is not over.
Abdel Ghany Ibrahim from the media centre of the Freedom and Justice Party in Zagazig denied the accusation, saying, “We do not carry birdshot.” Ibrahim added that after the Brotherhood ended their conference, they peacefully left.
He alleged that departing Brotherhood members were attacked as they passed the governorate building, adding that two had to be hospitalised, but have only sustained minor injuries.
Both El-Hawary and Ibrahim said that the police did not intervene during the clashes.
Clashes have repeatedly erupted between Muslim Brotherhood and opposition members in Mahalla, Fayoum , as well as other governorates over the course of the past week, with both sides blaming one another.
Political tensions have run high in the nation, ahead of major protests planned by Islamists next Friday, as well as a large opposition rally planned next Sunday, 30 June.
