Death toll rises in Egypt police clashes
Egypt has just been plunged into a new cycle of violence. Thirteen people have been killed in five days of protests around the country sparked by anger at the authorities' inability to prevent a riot at a soccer match last week that left 74 people dead.
Protesters charged that police did nothing to stop the violence at a soccer stadium in Port Said on Thursday. Some say the nation's military rulers deliberately caused it, to take revenge against soccer fans (known as Ultras) who joined protests, and to show the military must remain in power.
Starting at dawn, armored vehicles with police swept through streets near the downtown Cairo Interior Ministry, shooting at protesters with birdshot and tear gas, said Dr. Malek el-Assal at a field hospital.
One protester was killed early Monday in Cairo, said el-Assal.
Among those injured Monday was Salma Said (left), a prominent pro-democracy blogger who was reportedly wounded by bird shot in the face fired by a police officer.
She reportedly received three pellets in her face, and 26 in one leg.
Family members said she was recovering at a hospital.Egypt names 19 Americans facing trial
Death toll in latest Egypt clashes climbs to 12
Fresh deadly clashes over soccer riot in Egypt
At midday Monday, volunteers formed human cordons at the entrances of streets leading to the ministry, which the military had already blocked with concrete walls to prevent renewed clashes.
The Interior Ministry oversees the police and has been a frequent target of protests.
In Parliament today, Mohamed Abu Hamed (left), a member of the Free Egyptians Party, showed a used bullet during a session, as evidence that the Army is using more than tear gas against protesters.