Ahmed Maher, a founding member of the April 6 Youth Movement (Photo: El-Ahram)
The general coordinator of the April 6 Youth Movement, an influtential Egyptian activist group, was severely injured when a large piece of wood fell on his head from Egypt's tax administration building, which was set on fire.
April 6 leader, Ahmed Maher, along with other protesters, went to Mohamed Mahmoud Street, where clashes between police and furious Ultras football supporters have been ongoing. They intended to propose an initiative to put an end to the clashes, as have other political groups.
Maher is currently suffering from a skull fracture and concussion. He was immediately transported to Qasr El-AIni hospital.
The clashes between police and hard-core football supporters and other protesters comes after hundreds were killed during a football match in Port Said, which many political forces blame on passive security forces.
During a Wednesday football match in Port Said, Ultras Ahlawy -- hard-core supporters of Cairo club Ahly -- were attacked by hoards of rival Port Said Masry fans. Ultras blame the Ministry of Interior (who who were responsible for security) for standing by passively, allowing Masry fans to enter the stadium with weapons and attack the Ultras, who have played a key role in the Egyptian uprising.
The game witnessed tensions from the start and lacklustre security presence, according to many eyewitnesses. Many suspect that security hold a grudge against the Ultras Ahlawy for their role in the uprising, which often put the two sides at odds.
Security forces attacked protesters in the early Sunday hours with tear gas and rubber bullets.
According to the Egypt's Ministry of Health, by midday Saturday the death toll from the clashes that broke out on Thursday between thousands of protesters in a number of Egyptian cities – angry over the Port Said massacre on Wednesday – and police forces rose to 12.
Five protesters were killed in Cairo and seven in Suez. More than 1500 people have been injured.
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