Four dead, dozens injured in clashes in north-eastern Egypt

[News_Editor]

Four dead, dozens injured in clashes in north-eastern Egypt

2011-01-28 06:04:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

SUEZ, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- Hundreds of demonstrators on Thursday violently clashed with police forces in the city of Suez in north-eastern Egypt, the daily Al-Ahram newspaper reported.

The protesters gathered in front of the Arbaeen police station in Suez demanding the release of demonstrators who were arrested during the protests that have taken place during the last two days.

Clashes erupted in Al-Arbeen Square and Al-Geish Street and demonstrators set on fire a police station and the fire department building. In the beginning, police forces fired tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at the crowds.

Protesters responded by throwing stones and a few Molotov cocktails. Witnesses said that police officers began firing live ammunition but this has not been officially acknowledged.

Dozens of people have been injured during Thursday's clashes and four people were killed too. At least fourteen ambulances were seen reaching the scene. Demonstrators were protesting against police forces' use of violence.

This was the most intense clash since the "Day of Anger" protests erupted across Egypt demanding jobs, civil rights and the dismissal of President Hosni Mubarak.

On Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for end of violence and called on the government to use this as an opportunity to address the legitimate concerns of the people.

Several protestors gathered in different locations in downtown Cairo after demonstrations calls were spread on social media sites. The government led by President Hosni Mubarak cracked down on Internet tools, blocking Twitter, Facebook and a number of Egyptian news websites.

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