President Mohamed Morsi has annulled the decree which gave him wide-ranging powers but the referendum on a controversial draft constitution will go ahead this coming week.
Egyptian police fired tear gas at protesters camped out in the Cairo square this morning as demonstrations against a power grab by President Mohamed Morsi took place across the country.
A recent decision by the country’s president to grant himself near-absolute power has sparked public protests and been condemned by the country’s judiciary.
Mohammed Mursi has claimed victory in the presidential election but the sweeping powers that the military have given themselves may render him toothless.
Activists accused the military of a ‘soft coup’ after a court decision also paved the way for a former ally of the deposed president Hosni Mubarak to run in the presidential run-off this weekend.
Demonstrations in the aftermath of the trial of former president Hosni Mubarak continued today as the ex-dictator’s health was reported to have deteriorated further.
Anti-government protests first broke out in Tunisia, before inspiring similar movements across the Middle East and bringing down leaders in Egypt and Libya.
Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Seán Sherlock said the government had “deep concern” over the violence – but ruled out international intervention saying that “it is for Egyptians themselves to determine their own future”.
The violence continues in Cairo this afternoon, with 24 people confirmed dead so far. This is the most sustained challenge yet to Egypt’s military rule.
Violence has left at least 13 dead in Cairo, as protesters camp out in Tahrir Square to demand the country’s military facilitate a quicker transfer to civilian rule.
Violence continues in Egypt’s capital today, after two people died and hundreds were injured in clashes between riot police and demonstrators yesterday.
INDEPENDENT TD MICK Wallace is to file a complaint about the Minister for Justice’s use of information on RTÉ’s Prime Time last week.
Alan Shatter said on live television that the Wexford deputy benefited from garda discretion when he was cautioned for using a mobile phone – but not given penalty points. Wallace insists he is not aware of such an incident.
Shatter has stood by his remarks and he has also been backed by the Taoiseach who said that “people can’t have it both ways”. “You cannot be saying no discretion and at the same time availing of discretion.”
Labour Deputy Kevin Humphreys told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that he thought making the remarks was “poor judgement” on the minister’s part. He called on Shatter to explain how he received the information. Others have claimed the information could have been made public in a different manner, and not on live television without giving Wallace prior warning.
In today’s poll, we ask: Should Alan Shatter have made his comments about Mick Wallace on Prime Time?
Sunny intervals with a shower in places
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Min: 7 °C
Partial sunshine
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