News / Egypt

Egypt police tear gas protesters in anti-Saudi island deal demo

Friday, 15 April 2016 1:14 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 15 April 2016 5:18 PM ]

Activists chant slogans against Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his administration during a demonstration against a government decision to transfer two islands to Saudi Arabia, outside the Syndicate of Journalists in Cairo, Egypt, April 15, 2016. (Reuters photo)

Egyptian police in Cairo fired tear gas at protesters Friday during a demonstration in condemnation of President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi’s recent decision to give away two islands to Saudi Arabia.

A security official said the Egyptian forces fired tear gas and arrested a number of demonstrators at a protest in the Mohandessin neighborhood of the capital.

Outside the Syndicate of Journalists in the city, nearly 200 demonstrators chanted "Down with military rule."

Demonstrators also chanted, "The people want the downfall of the regime," which was used during the 2011 revolution that toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak.

"Sisi Mubarak," the protesters shouted. "We don't want you, leave!" was also heard from the crowd in reference to President Sisi.

Security officials said nearly 50 protesters were arrested during the Friday demonstrations.

The angry demonstrators also accused the Sisi administration of betrayal over the issue of the two islands. "We own the land and you are agents who sold our land," they chanted.

Mohamed Hussein, an engineer who took part in the protests, said "I'm protesting because of the overall situation in the country, not just the islands."

Wide-scale criticism against Sisi was sparked in Egypt after the government announced on April 9 that it was transferring the sovereignty of strategic Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia.

Egypt is reportedly receiving USD 20 billion in aid from Saudi Arabia in return for the move.

Similar demonstrations were held in other provinces of Egypt.

The Egyptian Interior Ministry warned on Thursday against holding such protests.

Egypt has been the scene of anti-government protests since the first democratically-elected president of the country, Mohamed Morsi, was ousted in a military coup in July 2013. Sisi, who was the head of the armed forces at the time of the coup, became president later.

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