Morsy supporters arrive in Al-Nahda Square in front of Cairo University. (DNE/ Basil El-Dabh) Thousands of demonstrators supporting President Mohamed Morsy began filling Al-Nahda Square in front of Cairo University on Saturday morning. The demonstration, which had originally been planned to take place in Tahrir Square, is intended to express support for Morsy, his constitutional declaration and the draft constitution passed by the Constituent Assembly early Friday morning. The “million man march,” was named the “support for legitimacy and Shari'a” by its organisers, who include the Muslim Brotherhood, the Freedom and Justice Party, the Salafi Calling, Al-Nour party, Gama'a Islamiyaa, the Construction and Development party and the Asala party. Demonstrators erected a stage adorned with banners supporting the president and the proposed constitution. The group changed the planned location of the demonstration to Cairo University following speculation that any attempt to hold it in Tahrir would lead to clashes between supporters of the president and opposition groups. “Egypt's Islamist parties, groups and movements reiterate their firm belief that Tahrir Square, as a symbol of the Egyptian revolution, belongs to all Egyptians,” read a statement from the group. “Undoubtedly, Egypt's Islamists are capable of mobilising millions of people in Tahrir Square to announce their full support for the legitimacy of Egypt's elected President and for the confirmation of the identity of the nation.” The statement cited “national interest” and a desire to “prevent further division and conflict in the street” for the decision to change the location of the demonstration. Marches are planned to move from Mostafa Mahmoud Mosque in Mohandessin, Amr bin Al-Aas Mosque in Old Cairo, and Al-Istaqama Mosque in Giza throughout the day. Morsy's constitutional declaration sparked demonstrations across Egypt both in support and opposition to it, leading to clashes in many cities. The “million man march” occurs as opposition groups continue a sit-in and demonstration in Tahrir Square, calling for the president to rescind his controversial declaration.
