Egypt police storm universities over anti-government protests

Police backed by armoured vehicles have stormed the campuses of at least two prominent Egyptian universities to quell anti-government protests by students, security officials say. Protests took place on Sunday at Cairo University and al-Azhar University. They were organised by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. A security official said that at least six people were arrested at al-Azhar, where police fired tear gas. Aside from the clashes on campus, authorities also arrested over 40 students, including organizers, from their homes ahead of Sunday’s scheduled protests

We want our voice to be heard that the students of Egypt don’t accept the coup and the military rule. … If we don’t protest, it means everything is OK.

Student protest spokesman Youssef Salhen

Last year, at least 16 students were killed and hundreds were arrested during protests that regularly descended into violence. This year, government officials warned that renewed protests would not be tolerated on campuses, enacting new regulations curbing student activities. Authorities hired a private security firm to search students, as well as install metal detectors and cameras around campuses.

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