Anti-Coup Alliance embarks on ‘putschists departure’ week

Joel Gulhane
2 Min Read
Supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi throw stones in Cairo's Ramses Square, on August 16, 2013 (AFP, Virginie Nguyen Hoang)
Supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi throw stones in Cairo's Ramses Square, on August 16, 2013 (AFP, Virginie Nguyen Hoang)
Supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi throw stones in Cairo’s Ramses Square, on August 16, 2013 (AFP, Virginie Nguyen Hoang)

A week of consecutive daily marches was announced by the Anti-Coup Alliance following the deadly clashes in Ramses Square and the surrounding area on the ‘Friday of anger’.

The marches, starting on Saturday, are planned to mirror the 28 planned marches that had been scheduled to go to Ramses Square in central Cairo on Thursday. The marches are scheduled to begin after noon prayers every day for a week.

The ACA announced that the marchers would perform sunset and evening prayers in Ramses Square, adding: “Then, they will pray for the souls of the martyrs who were killed today [Friday] by the brutal aggression of the putschist forces against the innocent and defenceless.”

It also stressed its commitment to “fully non-violent demonstrations and its rejection of all attacks on places of worship as well as public and private property.”

Marches en route to Ramses Square on Friday descended into chaos, with clashes occurring in the square and the surrounding areas. Tear gas was used to disperse the demonstrations and reports claim that birdshot and live ammunition were used by both sides.

The Ministry of Interior had previously announced that the police forces had permission to use live ammunition against demonstrators if state property or security forces were attacked.

Share This Article
Joel Gulhane is a journalist with an interest in Egyptian and regional politics. Follow him on Twitter @jgulhane
Leave a comment