Alexandria protests escalate as Mubarak supporters take to streets

Celebratory mood evaporates amid reports of violence and accusations that pro-Mubarak protesters are being paid by police Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak are staging a furious counter-demonstration in the Alexandria square that has been the scene of protests for nine days, sparking violent arguments and altercations between rival groups. The celebratory mood of yesterday evaporated amid reports of violent overnight confrontations in Egypt’s second city and accusations from anti-Mubarak protesters that their adversaries were paid agents of the regime. Despite the simmering atmosphere there was no sign of Egyptian authorities, apart from one army vehicle that briefly drove between the rival groups of protesters before disappearing. A few men attempted to keep the groups apart by forming a human barricade and bundling away individuals when physical fighting threatened to break out. Mubarak’s supporters carried signs saying “Yes, Yes, Mubarak!” and chanted slogans vowing to defend the president with “our blood and our souls”. They were outnumbered by their opponents, who occupied the area outside the mosque and repeatedly repelled attempts by Mubarak supporters to take the area. “They are not representative of me,” said Ahmed Mohi, 23, a pro-Mubarak demonstrator. Shaking with fury following a clash with opponents, he said: “Mubarak should stay. We need stability. Many people think like me.” Ali Abu Saharba, another government supporter, said: “Mubarak is OK. We don’t need interference from outside, America or Europe.” Gesturing towards two burnt vehicles, he added: “We don’t agree with that. It is enough now, it must stop.” Mahmoud Kamel said Mubarak should stay “to ensure the security of the country”. But overhearing his remarks, one bystander said: “Ask him how much he is being paid to say that.” Many anti-government protesters said the regime was sending people to the square to support Mubarak – a view immediately and vigorously denied by the counter-protesters. Watching the pro-Mubarak demonstration, Al Sayed Khalifa, a 58-year-old engineer, said: “These people are not normal citizens, they are sent by the police. The government wants to provoke fighting because Mubarak needs to stay in power.” Mubarak supporters called for opposition leaders Mohammed EIBaradei and Ayman Nour to leave, chanting: “We will save the country from destruction” Despite the ugly atmosphere and constant threat of violence, the confrontation in Alexandria did not spill into the running street battles seen in Cairo. The anti-Mubarak crowd was considerably smaller than yesterday, although its passion and belief that Mubarak’s hours were numbered were unwavering. Many dismissed the president’s statement last night that he would not stand for re-election in September as a ploy to undermine the protests. After several hours, a car with enormous loudspeakers tied to a roof rack arrived, exhorting the protesters to revolution. “Egypt is our mother, revolution to the end. Wake up, Egypt, freedom is being born,” blared the slogans. Bystanders said the car contained members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the outlawed Islamist organisation that western governments fear will step into any political vacuum. The only moment of respite in a morning of violence was when the mosque’s imam called the faithful to prayer. Within seconds the chanting ceased as hundreds knelt to pray on the street. Then the fray started over again. Egypt Middle East Hosni Mubarak Protest Harriet Sherwood guardian.co.uk

Posted by on February 2, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry