world: Egypt protests turn violent ahead of vote on constitution

Friday, 21 December 2012

Egypt protests turn violent ahead of vote on constitution

Egyptian men help a wounded comrade during clashes in Alexandria on Friday.Protesters threw rocks at police, who tear-gassed the protesters in Alexandria, EgyptClashes come day before second round of voting on controversial constitutionThe protesters included those for and against President Mohamed MorsyHave you witnessed the protests in Egypt? Send your images and videos of demonstrations, but please stay safe.

(CNN) -- Riot police fired tear gas at protesters in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Friday, according to state-run Nile TV. Shortly after morning prayers, clashes broke out between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsy.

Read more: Morsy backers accused of beatings, detentions

There were at least 1,000 people in the crowd, and about 300 of them threw rocks at police, a witness said.

The fighting broke out new the Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque, the site of similar fighting last Friday. The clashes were apparently inspired by the mosque's imam, Sheikh Ahmed El-Mahlawy, according to journalist Abdelrahman Youssef, who was at the site of the protest.

Read more: Egypt's prosecutor general quits amid protest

The imam encouraged people to demonstrate about a dispute among Egyptians and their government over whether the country's new constitution is legitimate, he said.

Last month, the constitution was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly that included people from all walks of life, including judges and religious leaders. Egyptian citizens are going to the polls to give it final approval.

Read more: Islamists claim victory in first round of referendum

Many in Egypt felt the draft constitution was passed too quickly. They are suspicious that it uses vague language and will not guarantee the rights of the people that Egyptians fought for during a revolution that unseated President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

The draft constitution, some said, was a way for Morsy to give himself unchecked power.

Read more: News agency say Mubarak hurt in prison bath fall

The first round of voting on the constitution happened last weekend. Then, Egypt's ruling Freedom and Justice Party declared that the people had approved it.

But a coalition of 123 local rights groups that monitored last Saturday's referendum alleged widespread abuses. Egypt's electoral commission acknowledged that it received complaints of voter intimidation, bribery and other violations.

The commission said it would not announce official results until after the second phase of voting this Saturday.

CNN's Reza Sayah, Saad Abedine and Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this report.

December 14, 2012 -- Updated 1618 GMT (0018 HKT)

In scenes reminiscent of the mass demonstrations that brought about the downfall of former president in 2011, thousands of protestors have turned out in Cairo.November 26, 2012 -- Updated 1639 GMT (0039 HKT)

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy's decree giving himself new powers has unified opposition groups that fear any moves toward Islamic rule, critics say.November 27, 2012 -- Updated 1711 GMT (0111 HKT)

Morsy's decision to grant himself unquestioned authority was not the final phase in a Muslim Brotherhood plan to erect a holy autocracy, writes Tarek Masoud. November 28, 2012 -- Updated 0218 GMT (1018 HKT)

Clashes between protesters and security forces build over Egyptian President Morsy's decrees. CNN's Reza Sayah reports. November 28, 2012 -- Updated 0153 GMT (0953 HKT)

CNN's Reza Sayah goes into the heart of the evening crowd in Tahrir Square for a personal look at the anti-Morsy rally. December 18, 2012 -- Updated 2240 GMT (0640 HKT)

Activists have been camping out in Tahrir Square to protest what they consider overreaching powers for the president. November 22, 2012 -- Updated 1958 GMT (0358 HKT)

Morsy has won praise for his government's effort to bring about a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.November 27, 2012 -- Updated 1402 GMT (2202 HKT)