Protesters, police clash in Cairo on Egyptian revolution anniversary
Dozens of people have been injured in clashes between police and protesters Friday, as hundreds gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the second anniversary of the revolution against Hosni Mubarak's regime.
Protesters took the streets near Tahrir Square on Friday saying the demands of the revolution two years ago have not been met under President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, which controls the Parliament in the democratic country.
At least 29 people in Egypt have been injured after violence broke out, CNN reported. Six police were also reported to have sustained injuries. Young protesters threw rocks at police and police responded by throwing tear gas and blaring sirens.
Banners in the square declared, "The people want to bring down the regime," and "Save Egypt from the rule of the Supreme Guide," reported Reuters.
One of the goal of the protests is to call for Mosi to amend the Constitution, which the opposition and Christian leaders felt were rushed through the parliament and national referendum.
Critics of the Constitution say it does not offer enough protections for human rights and contains language that undermines rights of women. The new Constitution also gives the president too much power, they say.
"I am asking everyone to go out and demonstrate to show that the revolution must be completed and that the revolution must continue," opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei said in a video message on his party's website.
"There must be a constitution for all Egyptians. A constitution that every one of us sees himself in it."
Protesters are also outraged that Egypt's economy is in turmoil just six months after Morsi took office and hold him responsible. The Egyptian pound has plummeted to record lows.
"The economy is a disaster, with our local currency's value diving deep down into the unknown," said a Christian leader, who blogs regularly from Egypt. Open Doors USA, a Christian persecution watchdog, did not attribute the comments in a press release.
Egypt's revolution took place January 25, 2011, setting off pro-democracy revolts in Libya and Syria.