Egypt arrests 73 Friday protesters nationwide

Egyptian security forces on Friday arrested a total of 73 demonstrators in nine provinces across the country, according to a statement by the Interior Ministry.

The ministry accused detained demonstrators of “provoking riots and violence” and “plotting to block roads and clash with local residents.”

The ministry also asserted that several had been arrested in possession of firearms, bladed weapons, petrol bombs and fireworks.

Protesters were arrested in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Fayoum, the Nile Delta provinces of Dakahliya and Damietta, and Upper Egypt’s Assiut, Qena and Minya provinces.

Opponents of last summer’s military ouster of elected president Mohamed Morsi staged fresh Friday rallies as part of a week of demonstrations called for by the National Alliance for the Defense of Legitimacy, Morsi’s main support bloc.

Egypt has been dogged by instability since the army unseated Morsi, the country’s first freely elected leader, on the back of protests against his presidency.

Ever since, pro-democracy demonstrators, who view Morsi’s ouster last year as an unconstitutional “military coup,” have staged almost daily rallies.

Help keep Expat Cairo independent. If you value our services any contribution towards our costs would be greatly appreciated.