Egypt: Anti-government protesters demonstrate against Israeli embassy re-opening
Egypt: Anti-government protesters demonstrate against Israeli embassy re-opening
Egyptians have taken to the streets to protest this week's reported re-opening of the Israeli embassy and against the government's ongoing crackdown on Islamists.
2 min read
Demonstrations were held in cities across Egypt [Nabd al-Nahda]
Anti-government protesters held marches around Egypt on Friday to condemn the re-opening of the Israel embassy in Cairo.
Muslim Brotherhood-supporting demonstrators in Cairo, Alexandria, al-Sharqiya and Beheira also called on the Egyptian government to stop killing political opponents and called for ousted Islamist President Mohammad Morsi to be reinstated into power.
Al-Araby al-Jadeed’s Arabic service reported the turnout was especially strong among young people and women.
In addition to the closure of the Israeli embassy, the protester's demands included the release of political prisoners and an end to police brutality and torture.
Local media widely reported on Wednesday that the Israeli embassy in Egypt had opened its doors once again after a four-year hiatus.
But a source in the Egyptian foreign ministry denied it was ever closed.
"The embassy has been operating normally for the past three years, however its headquarters have been moved to the Maadi area close to the residence of the Israeli ambassador," the anonymous source said.
Former President Morsi came to power following the 2011 ousting of Hosni Mubarak. But after just a year in power, was himself toppled by Sisi who at the time was army chief.
The new authorities then launched a sweeping crackdown against supporters of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, in which more than 1,400 people have died and thousands jailed.
This week, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood, was found dead after he was arrested.
In July, at least six people were killed in clashes between Islamist protesters and police in Cairo on the first day of the Islamic Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Muslim Brotherhood-supporting demonstrators in Cairo, Alexandria, al-Sharqiya and Beheira also called on the Egyptian government to stop killing political opponents and called for ousted Islamist President Mohammad Morsi to be reinstated into power.
Al-Araby al-Jadeed’s Arabic service reported the turnout was especially strong among young people and women.
In addition to the closure of the Israeli embassy, the protester's demands included the release of political prisoners and an end to police brutality and torture.
Local media widely reported on Wednesday that the Israeli embassy in Egypt had opened its doors once again after a four-year hiatus.
But a source in the Egyptian foreign ministry denied it was ever closed.
"The embassy has been operating normally for the past three years, however its headquarters have been moved to the Maadi area close to the residence of the Israeli ambassador," the anonymous source said.
Former President Morsi came to power following the 2011 ousting of Hosni Mubarak. But after just a year in power, was himself toppled by Sisi who at the time was army chief.
The new authorities then launched a sweeping crackdown against supporters of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, in which more than 1,400 people have died and thousands jailed.
This week, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood, was found dead after he was arrested.
In July, at least six people were killed in clashes between Islamist protesters and police in Cairo on the first day of the Islamic Eid al-Fitr holiday.
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