...

At least 79 injured in Cairo as protesters clash with drug dealers

Arab World Materials 30 November 2011 12:19 (UTC +04:00)
At least 79 people were injured in overnight clashes between pro-democracy protesters and unlicensed vendors in central Cairo's Tahrir Square,
At least 79 injured in Cairo as protesters clash with drug dealers

At least 79 people were injured in overnight clashes between pro-democracy protesters and unlicensed vendors in central Cairo's Tahrir Square, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday dpa reported


The injuries were caused by birdshots and petrol bombs fired when protesters tried to drive out the vendors, allegedly for dealing in illegal drugs in the iconic square, according to witnesses.

The protesters object to the vendors tarnishing the square's image by selling banned substances.

State television Wednesday quoted a military source as denying reports that military and security personnel were involved in the clashes.

The latest violence comes days after 40 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the square, which was the focal point of a popular revolt that deposed president Hosny Mubarak earlier this year.

Hundreds of protesters have been camping in the square for more than one week now, demanding that military rulers transfer power to a civilian administration.

Latest

Latest