Residents of Cairo district widely seen as pro-SCAF stronghold stage demonstration on Monday against military rule
Cairo’s Abbasiya district, where thousands of local residents recently demonstrated in support of Egypt’s ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), hosted a rally on Monday against military rule.
Ever since Abbasiya residents attacked anti-SCAF demonstrators attempting to march on the defence ministry in July, the district has served largely as a pro-SCAF foil to Tahrir Square, hosting several rallies in support of Egypt’s ruling junta.
In response, a Facebook group was recently set up by Abbasiya residents to show their support for demands voiced by Tahrir Square protesters. Along with attacking prominent pro-SCAF figures, the Facebook group also called for a rally in support of Tahrir Square activists.
On Monday, hundreds answered the call by marching through the district bearing banners declaring that Abbasiya should not be viewed as a bastion of support for the ruling military council. Other banners expressed solidarity with activists killed in recent attacks on Tahrir Square by security forces.
A statement released on Sunday by “the people of Abbasiya,” however, warned against Monday’s planned demonstration, emphasizing the district’s support for the SCAF. The statement was seen by some observers as a threat, prompting fears of an attack on the planned rally similar to that waged on Tahrir Square protesters in July.
On Monday, numerous calls were posted on social-media platforms calling on activists to join Abbasiya’s anti-SCAF demonstration.
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