Ahmed Feteha was witnessing a stand-off on the intersection of Talaat Harb and Boustan around 6pm, when he was attacked by several members of central security. 

 

His assailants beat him with batons, took his mobile phone and ID and detained him on Talaat Harb street, at that point the focus of pitched battles between protesters and state security.

 

Upon complaining of the violent treatment to a senior officer, Feteha was beaten a second time. Security forces also took his money and wallet.

 

Feteha was released shortly afterwards.

 

Battles have been raging in downtown Cairo since early Saturday afternoon, following the forcible clearance of several hundred protesters staging a sit-in.  The crackdown sparked further protests which have developed into clashes between security forces and demonstrators, the latter demanding the ruling military hand surrender political power. 

 

Under fire from tear gas and plastic bullets, protesters fought back with rocks and molotovs in battles that spread to streets around Tahrir Square, the intersection which was at the epicentre of Egypt's January revolution.

 

Protesters returned en masse to the square in early evening after the apparent withdrawal of security forces.

 

Dozens have been arrested and over 500 injured in the clashes, according to local media.