Thousands of Egyptians march in Alex against constitutional changes

Randa Ali , Friday 29 Jun 2012

Protesters march in Alexandria, Egypt's second city, to condemn changes to interim constitution that strip incoming president of several key powers

Alexandria
Thousands of Egyptians march in Alexandria celebrating the ousting of Hosni Mubarak 11 February 2011 (Photo: Reuters)

Thousands of protesters have marched in Alexandria to condemn the military council's recent changes to the 30 March 2011 interim constitution and the dissolution of parliament.

"We're the people, we're the authority," chanted Alexandrians on their way to the headquarters of the northern military district.

Marches began at the city's Al-Qaed Ibrahim and Al-Israa mosques after Friday prayers. Protesters chanted against the ruling junta and demanded it hand over full powers to the incoming president.

Protesters also called on the public prosecutor to step down due to his failure to investigate complaints against members of the former regime.  

A 50-something protester told Al-Jazeera TV: "The field marshal must leave, we demand revenge for those who have died for the revolution."

"The constant delays in transfering power shows the military council has something to hide because it's responsible for shedding blood during the revolution," another protester said.

Another protester in his late 30s added, "We're okay with whatever our elected president chooses to do; he and his party [the Freedom and Justice Party] know best.", in reference to whether the president-elect should take the presidential oath in the High Constitutional Court or the parliament.

An older demonstrator urged Morsi to bring "social justice to Egypt."

A similar protest is taking place in Cairo's Tahrir Square. President-elect Mohamed Morsi is expected to address the nation from the iconic square around 5pm CMT.

Short link: