Egypt protests, violence

In Egypt, sectarian violence, police strikes, concern with the military transitional government’s handling of protest marches and contentious election campaigns all are bringing thousands of people to protest in Cairo.

Conflicts between the Copts and Muslims over the demolition of a church in the Aswan province resulted in a march in Cairo by Copts on Oct. 9. The military broke up the march using armored vehicles and troops, and 25 people died in the ensuing violence. On Oct. 14, over 2,000 people (both Muslim and Christian) marched in Cairo to protest the military involvement and violence.

On Oct. 24, over 3,000 police officers began a nationwide strike for higher salaries and to purge officers of the former regime from senior posts.