Protests on anniversary of Egypt’s 2011 uprising leave at least 17 dead

At least 17 people across Egypt are dead including two policemen, according to the Health Ministry spokesman (Dr Hossam Abdel Ghaffar) following protests on Sunday. In Cairo, riot police and soldiers took to the streets and were also seen in Tahir square, which is associated with the 2011 revolt, trying to quell the situation. Despite the heavy security, protestors let their views be known as some chanted: “A revolution all over again,” and “Down with military rule” in a Cairo surburb.

On Saturday, a liberal activist, Shaimaa Sabbagh, was shot dead at a protest which also added to the tension. Around 1000 people attended her funeral on Sunday, and an investigation has begun on the murder case.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is said to be responsible for cracking down on the Islamist group, Muslim Brotherhood, and he is credited with bringing some stability to Egypt despite accusations of human rights abuses since Mubarak was overthrown.

Source: Reuters and Daily Mail