Security blocks squares to prevent Brotherhood protests

The National Alliance to Support Legitimacy called for peaceful protests on Sunday to commemorate 100 days since the violent dispersal of Rabea al-Adaweya and Nahda sit-ins, which were calling for the reinstatement of ousted President Mohamed Morsi.

Early Sunday morning, state security forces blocked access to Tahrir Square, as well as Rabea, Nahda and Mostafa Mahmoud squares, the main areas where protests against the state are held.

In a press conference late Saturday, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim accused the Muslim Brotherhood of mobilizing terrorist groups in the wake of Morsi’s removal in July to create insecurity. He also accused those supporting the Brotherhood of being paid to protest.

On August 3 police and military forces violently dispersed sit-ins at Nahda Square, near Cairo University, and Rabea Square in Nasr City. Protesters had remained in the squares for several weeks. The forced dispersal, in which security forces used live ammunition, resulted in more than 700 deaths.

The Forensic Medical Authority announced earlier this month that the total number of people who died during the dispersal of the sit-ins and violent clashes that followed was 726.

The alliance called for marches to be held in memory of the victims. Protesters were to head out from numerous places at noon on Sunday towards Rabea and Nahda squares.

The Ministry of Interior announced on Friday the death of one protester that day in marches by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood. Local media reported that two died.

In a statement, the ministry said that armed clashes erupted between protesters and the residents of the neighborhoods, resulting in injuries on both sides and one death among the protesters. The statement added that police forces intervened to separate the two groups and arrested 60.

The alliance accused police and military forces of attacking the protesters with tear gas, pellets and live fire, causing the death and injuries.