Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Hundreds arrested in Egypt protests

Opposition groups have called on people to continue protests.

At least 500 people have been arrested in Egypt as protests continue against the government of President Hosni Mubarak.


Security officials said 90 people were arrested in Cairo on Wednesday and 121 members of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood in the southern city of Assiut.


On Tuesday, around 200 people were arrested around the country.


The situation in Egypt remains tense with people pouring into the streets across the country to protest against Mubarak.


Heavily armed riot police have clashed with protesters in major cities as the Interior Ministry said that it would not tolerate demonstrations.


In Cairo, at least one person was wounded when police tried to disperse the angry people.


Mubarak's son and wife have reportedly fled to Britain amid the spreading unrest.


The opposition groups have called on people to take to the streets to continue anti-government protests.


Meanwhile, protest organizers have announced a general strike across the country.


According to the official website of the Muslim Brotherhood, the general strike will be in place on Wednesday and Thursday.


The Egyptian government has banned any demonstrations, warning that protesters would be detained.


Police have reportedly used live bullets against demonstrators. However, the demonstrators have promised to continue protests.


At least four people, including a police officer, have already been killed in anti-government demonstrations across the country.


It comes a day after thousands demonstrated nationwide to demand an end to Mubarak's authoritarian rule of nearly 30 years.


A former Arab League envoy to the United Nations says the Tunisian revolution is inspiring the Arab world, which is worn-out by various dictatorial regimes.


In an interview with Press TV, Clovis Maksoud said Tunisia's revolution "is one of the most inspiring events of the Arab world in the contemporary time."


The revolution "is the prognosis by which many frustrated people in various countries -- suffering dictatorship, poverty, and marginalization, are now being empowered," said the former ambassador to the United Nations.


JR/PKH/AKM




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