Dozens arrested nationwide during MB protests marking students’ day

Police forces violently dispersed several mass protests held by the deposed Muslim Brotherhood group nationwide on Friday, arresting dozens, reported the state-owned Middle East News Agency (MENA).

Brotherhood protesters clashed with residents of Cairo’s Nasr City neighborhood after the demonstrators blocked Abbas al-Akkad Road with burning tires. Police forces dispersed the demonstration and arrested tens of protesters.

Clashes also broke out in Helwan on Friday when Brotherhood supporters shot off fireworks and chanted slogans against the police and Armed Forces, sparking confrontations with security forces. Another group of demonstrators allegedly attempted to storm the Helwan metro station, but police fired tear gas to halt their attempt, according to MENA.

In Alexandria, two masked assailants set a police truck ablaze, seriously injuring the driver. Authorities arrested the perpetrators, who reportedly confessed belonging to the recently banned Islamist organization.

A Brotherhood protester in Beni Suef also allegedly attempted to set a police officer’s car on fire by throwing gas under the vehicle. Police arrested the assailant and claimed he belonged to the Brotherhood.

In the northern city of Monufiya, police forces dispersed a protest of dozens, arresting three of the Brotherhood-affiliated demonstrators as they chanted against the military-backed government, Armed Forces and police, MENA reported.

In Sharqiya, 51 people were arrested on allegations of plotting attacks against the military and police, which caused the deaths of 13 soldiers in the northern governorate, according to MENA.

There have been nine drive-by shootings targeting soldiers and police forces in the governorate recently, said MENA, leaving seven dead and six injured.

The assailants are accused of belonging to Jihadist groups, security sources told MENA. They were referred to the prosecution for interrogation.

In Fayoum, clashes broke out between Brotherhood protesters and area residents when demonstrators raised posters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi and chanted against the army and the police. No injuries were reported, MENA said.

Suez residents dispersed a Brotherhood protest after demonstrators allegedly chanted slogans against the Armed Forces and the police and threw bottles and rocks at bystanders.

Friday’s protests were in response to the National Alliance to Support Legitimacy’s call to demonstrate on the international day of students.

In the statement, the alliance said: "Students of 2014: Be like the students of 1946. The universities are bringing back the glory and students are willing to shake the coup.”