CAIRO: Egyptian security officials have told local media that reports of rubber bullets being used in downtown Cairo are false and are an attempt by the media to stir anger and fear between police and civilians. An Egyptian told al-Shorouk newspaper that the security forces had not used rubber bullets on protesters. The security official continued, in the report, to call reports that rubber bullets have been used rumors that aim to disturb Egypt's national security and to create a wedge between police and civilians, which is punishable by law. The ministry did admit to using tear gas in an effort to push the troublemakers away from important buildings in downtown Cairo and across the country. On Friday afternoon outside the Doubara Church near the frontlines, medical volunteers manning the field hospital inside the church's grounds, told Bikyamasr.com that they had treated at least 8 injured protesters who had been shot by rubber bullets. “We have about 8 people with rubber bullet wounds inside,” he told Bikyamasr.com as more and more injured were arriving at the makeshift hospital. On Friday and Saturday Egypt's police attacked from Qasr el-Aini street towards Cairo's Tahrir Square. By early Sunday morning they build a concrete wall, then went around a side street shortly after in an attempt to attack the main square. Hundreds of protesters have been injured in the ongoing violence, spurred on by near constant tear gas and rubber bullets being fired by police towards the protesters. According to the ministry of interior on Sunday, over 275 “troublemakers" have been detained by police in the clashes. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, videos began to emerge showing police beating protesters they had gotten their hands on, sparking more anger among activists who are calling for the immediate withdrawal of presidential decrees that grant President Mohamed Morsi near complete power above the rule of law. The ministry added that they are to take legal action against those arrested. The ministry added that only 164 have been injured in the violence, although even the ministry of health puts the number over 200. Field hospital volunteer doctors have told Bikyamasr.com that they are at full capacity, with doctors at Doubara Church near Tahrir saying on Sunday that they “cannot take anyone else. We have too many people." Tear gas and rubber bullets continue to boom across downtown as wave after wave of attack continues.
