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24 Dead in Cairo Clashes

Violence erupts during Coptic Christian protest

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2011 5:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – Egypt suffered its worst rioting today since President Mubarak's overthrow earlier this year. Christians demonstrating against the recent destruction of a Coptic church in Cairo clashed with Muslims and security forces, triggering thousands to pour into the streets and leaving 24 dead, Al Jazeera reports. Thugs apparently sparked the fighting by attacking protesters with stones and pellets; then military vehicles plowed into the demonstration.

"Thugs attacked us and a military vehicle jumped over a sidewalk and ran over at least 10 people," a protester said. State radio and television urged "honest Egyptians" to come out and protect the military, the New York Times reports. By late evening thousands of people fought sporadically in the streets, gunshots were heard, and security forces fired tear gas that sent protesters fleeing. Eventually the military cordoned off the area, and streets were left littered with ashes, stones, and shattered glass.

Protesters gather rocks during clashes with Egyptian security forces at a protest of a recent attack on a church in Cairo Egypt, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.
Protesters gather rocks during clashes with Egyptian security forces at a protest of a recent attack on a church in Cairo Egypt, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.   (AP Photo/Mohammed Abu Zaid)
Egyptian security forces respond to a burning vehicle during clashes with protesters in Cairo Egypt, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.
Egyptian security forces respond to a burning vehicle during clashes with protesters in Cairo Egypt, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Jersey13
Oct 9, 2011 11:39 PM CDT
What if we just stop fighting with one another about what one dude or book says? That would solve about 99.9% of all the conflicts in the world. 
fancygapva
Oct 9, 2011 6:25 PM CDT
Wanting a revolution? Careful what you wish for. Unfortunately what starts off about freedom often turns to secular violence. The best organized people in this country are bar none Right-Wing Fundamentalists. They are also the best armed. WWJD?
guvner
Oct 9, 2011 6:06 PM CDT
Comments on the warning to Iraqi Jews outed by Wikileaks blamed Bush. ( http://www.newser.com/story/comments/130517/baghdad-jews-urged-to-flee-over-wikileaks-cables.html#comment-329828332 ) I wonder, how many will be so quick to blame Obama for this? Like I said before, the hush-hush genocide continues....

 
Hosni Mubarak • Egypt • Cairo • Arab protests

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