At least 200 injured in Cairo clashes

At least 200 people were injured in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi in Tahrir Square in central Cairo on Friday, medics said, dpa reported.

The violence erupted after liberal and leftist protesters shouted slogans against Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood group, witnesses said.

The rival protesters hurled stones at each other. Morsi's supporters tore down a stage set up by the opposition protesters.

The police stayed away even after the clashes turned into pitched battles in the square and nearby streets.

Morsi's supporters gathered in the central square to protest Prosecutor General Abdul-Maguid Mahmoud's refusal to step down after Morsi issued a presidential order dismissing from the post.

Mahmoud, who is seen as a remnant of the old regime, said Morsi had no power to remove him.

Mahmoud's defiance was backed by judges, who accused Morsi of violating the law on judicial authority by sacking the top prosecutor.

Islamists were also protesting the acquittal for lack of evidence of 24 people, including former government officials, from charges of masterminding a deadly attack on protesters during the popular uprising that ousted Hosny Mubarak more than a year ago.

Liberals and leftists had gathered in the square to protest Morsi's performance in the first 100 days in office.

Morsi took office in June as Egypt's first elected civilian and Islamist president.

On Friday he denied meddling in judicial affairs.

"The judiciary is independent in its performance and rulings," he told a rally in the coastal city of Alexandria.

"But we cannot forgive anyone involved in killing the revolutionaries," he added, referring to the acquittals.