Birdshots fired at student's head during Egypt's Azhar Uni clashes

Ahram Online, Monday 28 Apr 2014

Pro-Morsi student receives birdshot pellets to the head, while two police officers sustain minor injuries, in clashes in front of Egypt's Al-Azhar University

azhar clashes
Riot police stand near an armoured personnel carrier after firing rubber bullets and tear gas inside al-Azhar University during clashes with the university's students, who are supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, in Cairo's Nasr City district, March 19, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

An Al-Azhar University student was injured by birdshot pellets in the head during clashes Monday between the university's student supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and security forces, Al-Ahram's Arabic news website reported.

Two police officers were also injured, according to the same source.

Clashes at Al-Azhar University -- which began with the 2013-2014 academic year -- returned with the end of the mid-year break to continue over the second semester.

Egyptian universities have been the site of numerous protests since Morsi's ouster, with clashes often erupting between security forces and students loyal to the deposed Islamist president. Dozens have been arrested and several killed in the unrest.

Students have been constantly protesting to demand the release of their colleagues currently detained over illegal protests. 

In February, Egypt's interim authorities issued a decree allowing security forces to enter campuses and granting university administrators the right to expel protesting students.

The decision was criticised by various political figures and students bodies, who denounce police presence on campus as political interference in student and faculty affairs.

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