CAIRO: Violent clashes broke out between two groups of protesters Friday near the American Embassy in Cairo, just meters away from Tahrir Square, with several minor injuries reported by eyewitnesses. By evening, clashes were ongoing and army personnel had arrived on the scene. Earlier, one group of protesters was demonstrating near the embassy against what they described as American interference in Egypt's internal affairs, citing specifically the sudden lifting of a travel ban on foreigners involved in the NGO trial, allowing them to leave the country. This group was joined in the afternoon by Tawfiq Okasha, owner of Al-Faraeen satellite channel and its main TV host, who is generally known to support the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces while publically vilifying anti-SCAF protesters. Meanwhile, protesters in Tahrir Square were commemorating the anniversary of the day army and security forces violently broke up a sit-in on March 9 of last year, arresting activists and subjecting females to the now notorious forced virginity tests. News of Okasha's arrival infuriated some Tahrir protesters, who headed to the embassy to voice their objections. At first, minor skirmishes broke out between the two sides, but later in the evening, clashes were reignited and escalated to rock throwing, resulting in minor injuries. Okasha had addressed protesters near the embassy, saying, “The American ambassador was trained by American Intelligence on America's plan to divide the Arab countries. The United States plans to split Arab countries from 22 to 44.” His supporters demanded the deportation of the US ambassador, chanting: “We want the ambassador out of our country and we support the SCAF,” “Field Marshal Tantawi, deport the American ambassador to Israel” and “We don't need the American aid.” Ashraf Galal, a plant manager, told Daily News Egypt, “Everyone should know that the American embassy accommodates a criminal mob aiming to divide Egypt. America is a county of piracy and we are here to pressure the embassy to stop interfering in Egyptian affairs.” “I demand cutting all ties with the United States; the current disorder among Egyptians is one of its plans” Galal added. Yehia Mohamed, a former army officer, said, “America meddled in Egypt's judicial system by allowing the release of the accused Americans. The ambassador is helping Israel destroy Egypt.” Back in Tahrir, the epicenter of protests that ousted Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, the situation was peaceful as hundreds gathered, denouncing SCAF violations over the past year and saying, “We won't forgive a year of military violations.” Aly AlKhoga, a teacher, told DNE, “I came to Tahrir to condemn the SCAF violations including military trials for civilians and forced virginity tests.” Protesters chanted “Down with the military rule,” reiterating demands that the army generals hand over power to a civilian authority. Egypt's first presidential election since Mubarak will take place May 23-24, earlier than the timeline initially proposed by SCAF after numerous protests in the previous months demanded a swifter transition. A movement called Bela Godran (Without Walls) invited graffiti artists to paint the barrier walls of downtown Cairo, which were erected after violent clashes between security forces and protesters in November, December and February. Artists painted over the walls in Mohamed Mahmoud, Falaki, Nubar and Mansour streets images that show open roads to counter the visual effect of the barricades. Graffiti of martyrs is also prominent around the streets of downtown. “I am drawing a continuation of the street on the barricade as if it didn't exist,” Sameh Mohamed, a designer, said. “The barricades were put up due to previous security reasons which have ended so they should be removed.” Earlier in the day after Friday prayers, a group of protesters marched from Mostafa Mahmoud Mosque to Tahrir. Minor scuffles broke out early on with SCAF supporters, but quickly came to an end. -Additional reporting by Amira Salah-Ahmed Artists paint the barrier walls of Downtown Cairo to depict an open road. (Photo by Ahmed Hazem)
