Deadly violence erupted as unidentified mob armed with handmade explosives and guns attacked a peaceful demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Cairo early Wednesday. At least 11 are reported to be dead and not less than 100 sustained injuries of various levels. The Presidential election in Egypt is set to begin on May 23.
The protesters were staging a demonstration against Egypt’s military government for barring a popular Islamic candidate, Hazem Abu Ismail, from running for President. An ex-lawyer cum current preacher, Abu Ismail’s candidature is said to be disqualified on the ground that his mother held American passport, which Ismail has denied. Egypt's electoral law requires Presidential candidates as well as their parents and spouses to hold only Egyptian citizen.
What appalled people the most on Wednesday’s attack was the role of Egyptian military. It is claimed that lives could have been saved if there had been prompt military intervention. Later, the tense atmosphere prompted several candidates to call off their election campaign. Though the situation came under control by noon, Wednesday’s violence is said to be the latest attempt by the military to cling on to power by delaying the transition of power to civilian government.
The protesters were staging a demonstration against Egypt’s military government for barring a popular Islamic candidate, Hazem Abu Ismail, from running for President. An ex-lawyer cum current preacher, Abu Ismail’s candidature is said to be disqualified on the ground that his mother held American passport, which Ismail has denied. Egypt's electoral law requires Presidential candidates as well as their parents and spouses to hold only Egyptian citizen.
What appalled people the most on Wednesday’s attack was the role of Egyptian military. It is claimed that lives could have been saved if there had been prompt military intervention. Later, the tense atmosphere prompted several candidates to call off their election campaign. Though the situation came under control by noon, Wednesday’s violence is said to be the latest attempt by the military to cling on to power by delaying the transition of power to civilian government.
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