Violent Clashes Erupt in Cairo

CAIRO, Nov. 25 (UPI) —
Fresh clashes erupted in Cairo Sunday between Egyptian security forces and protesters opposing President Mohammed Morsi’s granting new powers to himself.

Morsi Thursday declared the courts could not overturn any decree or law issued by him since taking office and said the order would remain in effect until a new constitution is finalized.

Morsi’s decree sparked harsh criticism with protesters taking to the streets to oppose the move.

Meanwhile, Farouq Jweideh Sunday became the third presidential adviser to resign. Samir Morcos and Sakina Fouad resigned Saturday, Egyptian media reported.

The Muslim Brotherhood — which strongly backs Morsi’s Freedom and Justice Party — called for demonstrations across the country Sunday in support of the new decree. About 20 Egyptian rights groups signed a petition demanding the decree be annulled, the BBC reported, and MENA said a million man march in support of Morsi is being planned for Tuesday.

Opposition groups are also planning a demonstration Tuesday and also called for an open-ended, sit-in at Cairo’s Tahrir Square “to defend the revolution and the Egyptian state,” EGYNews said.

Politician Mohamed ElBaradei said there can be no dialogue with Morsi as long as the new decree remains intact, the BBC said.

More than 260 people have been injured in clashes in Cairo and elsewhere in the country in the recent protests, CNN said quoting EGYNews.