Opposition groups march to presidential palace on 4 December. (DNE/ Basil El-Babh) Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets surrounding the presidential palace on Tuesday night, demonstrating against President Mohammed Morsy and the country's upcoming constitutional referendum. Marches from Nasr City, Abbaseya, and other neighbourhoods in and surrounding Heliopolis converged on the palace in what opposition groups called a “last warning” following Morsy's decrees that give him powers that, according to his critics, match those of a dictator. The protesters included those from opposition parties and movements that have been critical of Morsy's handling of Egypt's democratic transition and the proposed constitution. Central Security Forces blocked off roads surrounding the palace with barbed wire prior to the arrival of protesters. Demonstrators chanted, “interior [ministry], who are you protecting? We are the people. Who is he?” referring to the president. However, as numbers increased the barricades between protesters and police were removed and police retreated. Clashes briefly took place, with police firing tear gas at protesters. After a short time, police retreated and demonstrators peacefully surrounded the palace, chanting slogans against the president. “The [street] says the [Muslim] Brotherhood is feloul,” chanted thousands crowded around a massive stage in front of the palace, in response to allegations lodged by Islamist groups that claimed the opposition was greatly influenced by remnants of the Mubarak regime. The presidential palace was not previously a site of protest during the 18-day uprising in 2011, as it was heavily guarded by police and military personnel. Protests continued into Wednesday morning, and the police that had first clashed with demonstrators stood in the midst of throngs of people without confrontation. Thousands demonstrated in cities throughout Egypt including Alexandria, Minya and Assiut. “Our numbers weren't very large until we were attacked and police got involved,” said Abdel Rahman Osama, a member of Al-Dostour Party in Minya. The Health Ministry reported 37 injured throughout Egypt in demonstrations on Tuesday, 35 of which occurred in clashes at the presidential palace. The other two reported injuries came from Alexandria and Minya. Demonstrations took place throughout Cairo in areas including Tahrir Square, Maspero, Maadi and Juhayna Square in 6th of October. The mass protest highlights the rift between Islamist groups and opposition forces. The latter announced an open-ended sit-in in Tahrir Square, while the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups held a large demonstration in front of Cairo University on Saturday. The opposition has demanded that President Morsy rescind his constitutional declaration and create a new Constituent Assembly.
