13 dead, 235 arrested in Friday clashes

Thirteen people were killed on Friday and more than 55 injured as violence broke out between protesters and security forces across the country, the Health Ministry reported. 

Bloody clashes erupted as supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood confronted security forces in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Fayoum, Minya and Ismailia, according to state-run news portal Egynews.  

Ahmed Kamel, Health Ministry spokesperson, told Egynews that five people died in Cairo, three in Fayoum, two in Alexandria, two in Ismailia and one in Minya. 

Security forced arrested 235 people who are reportedly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which was designated a terrorist group by Egypt's Cabinet on December 25.

Ensuing decisions based on Article 86 of the Penal Code make participating in a Brotherhood protest a crime punishable with five years in prison. Anyone who is proven to be a member of the outlawed organization, propagates the teachings or ideologies of the group in writing or verbally, or possesses publications or recordings supporting the Brotherhood could also face prison sentences upwards of five years.

According to state-owned news agency MENA, those arrested took part in the violence that broke out on Friday, blocked roads and attacked citizens as well as private property. They also reportedly fired live ammunition and birdshot at cars, shops, homes as well as throwing Molotovs at residents who rejected these demonstrations, MENA reported. 

Quoting an Interior Ministry statement, the news agency reported that security forces found those arrested in possession of home-made bombs, weapons, birdshot, Molotovs, and fireworks. They were also reportedly in "possession of large sums of money which they allegedly distributed to others who participated in the protest," the statement read. 

At least 17 security personnel were wounded, according to the ministry.

Protests by supporters of the Brotherhood and Morsi have been ongoing since the former president's ouster in July. Hundreds of leading members have been arrested in the subsequent crackdown on the group. 

Protests are often met with anger by residents of the areas in which they take place, and regularly face off with security forces. 

The Brotherhood was first banned and then recently dubbed a terrorist organization by Egypt's government. Since then, protests have again intensified as the measures taken to quell them were stepped up. 

In Cairo, marches took place in Maadi, Nasr City, Heliopolis, as well as areas in Giza, as protesters blocked two main roads: the Ring Road and the Corniche in Maadi. 

Clashes broke out in the Borg el-Arab, Sidi Bishr, Miami and Mandara districts of Alexandria. After protesters were dispersed, three marches regrouped and took place later in the evening in the governorate. 

In Fayoum, protesters reportedly attempted to attack the health directorate office and destroyed posters promoting a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum on the new draft of the constitution.  

Police in Minya arrested nine accused of participating in Friday's violence after two marches took off in the Abu Helal area and in Delga village, MENA reported. Meanwhile in Aswan, security forces dispersed a Brotherhood march that took place Friday evening near the military police headquarters.