According to Egypt's deputy prime minister, Yehia El-Gamal, the new governor of Qena, Emad Shehata Michael, will keep his post and has already started performing his duties.

Prime Minister Essam Sharaf had met with Minister of Local Development Mohsen El-Nomany and Michael this morning to talk about the continuing crisis in Qena. A meeting last night between the minister of interior and protesters failed to ease tensions and grievances.

Thousands of locals have been protesting against last week's appointment of Michael. Their anger stems from the fact that he is the second Copt to hold the post and his previous career as assistant to Giza security. In particular is his role in clamping down on protesters during the January 25 Revolution.

The protests erupted in front of the governorate's headquarters last Thursday and protesters have since blocked roads and rail links to the city.

This morning, possible presidential candidate Ayman Nour also visited the governorate and talked to students in the Ganoub El Wadi University about his aspirations for Egypt’s future. During the speech, Nour said that Michael was responsible for torturing him when he was arrested in July 2007 after writing an article critical of ousted president Mubarak. Nour said that he had 16 injuries in different parts of his body as a result of the torture inflicted on him.

Nour said that he has submitted a formal complaint against him. During the speech, he also stressed the importance of electing rather than appointing a president and expressed his solidarity with the people of Qena.