People hold a demonstration in Egypt. (File photo)
Thousands of Egyptians are expected to demonstrate across the country on the second anniversary of the revolution that toppled former dictator Hosni Mubarak.
Demonstrations have been organized by both supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.
On Thursday, clashes erupted between police and protesters in the capital, Cairo, as a dozen of protesters tried to dismantle a security barrier blocking the Qasr el-Aini Street to the Liberation Square, which was the focal point of demonstrations two years ago.
Protesters threw rocks at police and shouted anti-Morsi slogans.
Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei stated on his Twitter account, “I call on everyone to take part and go out to every place in Egypt to show that the revolution must be completed.”
“Go out into the squares to finally achieve the objectives of the revolution.”
The opposition parties that called for Friday’s protest demanded the government overhaul the new constitution that was signed into law by Morsi last December.
Critics say the controversial constitution, approved in a referendum, did not offer adequate protection for human rights, and gave the president too many privileges and failed to restrain the power of the military establishment.
They also complain that the constitution fails to guarantee the rights of Egyptian women and minorities.
Morsi’s supporters, however, say enacting the constitution quickly is important to restoring stability in the country.
Since President Morsi took office in June 2012, thousands of Egyptians have held demonstrations to demand the implementation of the goals of the country’s revolution.
SAB/HSN
