ALEXANDRIA, Egypt: Liberal forces in Alexandria today organized a demonstration called, “The Largest Stance of Mourning for the Martyrs of Maspiro,” which stretched from Khaled Said's home in Cleopatra to the Sedi Gaber Tunnel. Demonstrators were clad in black clothing. Spokesman for the Civil Democratic Coalition Rashad Abdel Aal today claimed that the Coalition did not call for any protests or demonstrations at the Ibrahim Mosque. The Civil Democratic Coalition includes more than 30 parties and political movements in Alexandria. The Alexandria branch of the April 6 Youth Movement today denied any participation in the Friday October 14 demonstration, which was published in some newspapers. Talaat Harb in Cairo yesterday witnessed a mourning vigil where demonstrators carried candles to honor the martyrs from the Maspiro clashes. The mourning vigil, which was organized by the Coalition of Independent Culture, included intellectuals, actors, men, women, youth, elderly citizens, children and sheikhs. All stood in solidarity with the victims and the families of those hurt or killed in the Maspiro clashes. Demonstrators carried placards calling for the resignation of the Aswan governor, the Egyptian Minister of Information and all involved officials. They also called for the activation of the law of houses of worship. “The most worrying thing is the escalation of sectarian violence, which could lead to Western countries viewing Egypt as similar to Lebanon,” said Heba Essam. The reason for the state of rage and anger among Egyptians is the poor decision making after the burning of the Atfeeh Church, said Essam. The government is responsible for the uprising, the clashes and the rumor spreading, she added. Arabic here
