TEMPO.CO, Cairo - Clashes escalated near Cairo University in the capital's Giza district late Tuesday night, where supporters of President Mohamed Morsi continue to demonstrate, killing at least 16 people and injuring 200, according to the latest statement from Egypt's health ministry.
Clashes between supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi occurred near the University of Cairo. At least 16 people were killed in the incident which occurred in the capital city of Giza district, Tuesday night, it was. In addition 16 people were killed, the local Health Ministry said 200 people were injured.
"The aggressors attacked us with firearms," Morsi supporter, Mostafa Abdelnasser, told AFP as quoted by the Daily Telegraph. Mostafa added that he carried away a man who had been shot in the head.
According to Al-Ahram's Arabic-language news website, those injured included a police officer – Satea El-Nomany – who was shot in the eye.
Military forces were reported to have intervened in an effort to end the clashes. According to eyewitnesses cited by Reuters, gunshots were heard in the area and police were seen firing tear gas.
Pro-Morsi demonstrators began gathering outside Cairo University late Monday night in response to millions-strong opposition rallies demanding that Morsi step down.
Clashes erupted in the area hours before Morsi's Tuesday night televised speech, in which he refused to step down, citing democratic legitimacy.
AL AHRAM | DAILY TELEGRAPH | JULI HANTORO
