A small pro-Mubarak demonstration in the Mohandesseen suburb of Cairo ended in violence on Friday. Dozens of pro-Mubarak supporters clashed in a huge brawl with anti-Mubarak groups, causing traffic problems and heavily stepped-up security near the famous Moustafa Mahmoud Mosque. Several dozen pro-Mubarak protesters had rallied in front of the Moustafa Mahmoud Mosque to voice their support for the ousted President, but their protest was met by bigger numbers of anti-Mubarak gatherings resulting in a big brawl at the end of the day. The violent clashes resulted in many injuries on both sides as well as damage to several cars and shops.
Pro- and anti-Mubarak demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails, empty bottles and stones at each other, creating a mini war zone.
Police forces blocked the main thoroughfare for pedestrians and cars not to be damaged.
Police and military forces eventually contained the situation and restored order.
Before the violence erupted, tens of protesters constructed a small stage, lifted banners and chanted pro-Mubarak slogans.
The banners revealed for the first time the intention to form a party that supports the ousted President with one of them reading “Mubarak Peace Party: under construction.”
Other banners and chants were conciliatory, citing Mubarak’s ‘dignity’, and describing him as a hero of war and peace and asking for the cancellation of his ongoing trial.
Mubarak, 83, is currently under house arrest in a Sharm Al-Shaikh hospital receiving medical treatment. He is said to be in an unstable health condition.
His trial for the killing of protesters of the 25 January revolution has been adjourned to 3 August.
The ousted Egyptian President is also to face financial corruption charges along with his two sons, Gamal and Alaa, who are currently in Torah prison in Helwan, near Cairo.
The Armed Forces took over power after the forced stepping down of Mubarak on 11 February. It has vowing to lead the country to a democratically elected civilian administration before the end of the year.