Egypt - Islamist rally turns violent outside Alexandria mosque, 32 injured in clashes: Official.(Ahram).Clashes erupted shortly after several thousand demonstrators gathered at Alexandria's Qaed Ibrahim Mosque Friday to "defend [Islamic] scholars and mosques," and to call for Sharia (Islamic law).
After two hours of street battles, the area surrounding the mosque has mostly been cleared.
The rally, which was initially peaceful after Friday noon prayers, turned violent when clashes broke out between Islamist demonstrators and rival opposition group.
According to media reports, clashes seem to have been kicked off after opposition protesters picked a fight with one of the Islamist demonstrators.
Central Security Forces, who were heavily deployed early Friday near the rallying point as a pre-emptive measure against possible violence, worked to restore order and keep both camps away from each other.
Rounds of teargas were fired into the crowds, forcing people onto the Corniche near the mosque.
Tens of fire engines and ambulances are also situated in the area, according to Al-Ahram's Arabic-language news website.
An official injury toll has yet to be released but media reports indicate that there have been injuries.
State news agency MENA confirmed that people from both sides have been injured.
Organisers set up stages and were leading religious chants before violence marred the occasion. Checkpoints were also set up around the rally to search protesters before joining.
"The people want the implementation of God's Sharia," the crowds say, "we sacrifice our soul and our blood for Islam."
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafist Calling, along with their respective political wings, the Freedom and Justice Party and the Nour Party, announced their participation in today's demonstration alongside other Islamist groups.Read the full story here.
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