Egypt: Mobs and Army Attack Coptic Protesters

“A march of 10,000 Copts began today from Shubra to the State TV building in Maspero turned violent when protesters were attacked by stone throwing mobs from on top of the surrounding walls while they were trying to cross the Shubra tunnel.  A 15-minute battle ensued as the Coptic protesters fought back and hurled stones at their assailants. . . .  After the battle stopped the march, once again regained its peaceful nature and continued towards Maspero.  On their way to Maspero they stopped in the neighboring Galaa Street and were attacked once again.  A car sped through the crowd and randomely shot at protesters.  The march continued once again to Maspero where the protesters were attacked again with increased vigour and violence.  An Ahram Online correspondent at Maspero reports seeing glass being thrown down at protesters from inside the State Broadcasting building in Maspero while armoured personnel carriers were driven by the army through the crowds, hitting and running protesters over.  Eyewitness accounts posted on Twitter detail people being shot by the armed forces and attacked by plain-clothed thugs, with fire consuming vehicles by the Nile.” — Ahram Online, 9 October 2011

“Twenty-three people, mostly Coptic Christians, died in clashes Sunday between Coptic Christians and Egyptian security forces, the health ministry said, sparking fears of renewed sectarian strife.  A total of 174 people were injured in violence during a Coptic Christian protest in central Cairo. . . .” — AFP, 9 October 2011





Update

“State TV just announced there were no military casualties, yetsreday.  Gigantic WTF.” — @arabist, 10 October 2011


The videos above were released by the Daily News Egypt, AhramOnline, and Al-Masry Al-Youm on 9 October 2011.  Cf. “Live Updates: As Death Toll Rises in Clashes, Mobs Attack Christian Businesses” (Al-Masry Al-Youm, 9 October 2011).




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