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Egypt unrest threatening state collapse, minister warns
Jan 29th 2013, 19:15

  • U.N. office: Early reports suggest most casualties were caused by authorities
  • The defense minister denies claims that the army used live ammunition on protesters
  • Clashes break out between dissidents and forces in cities along the Suez Canal
  • Protesters ignore Morsy's curfew order, part of a limited state of emergency

Editor's note: Are you there? Send us you photos and videos, but please stay safe.

(CNN) -- The political turmoil dividing Egypt threatens the future of the nation, the defense minister said, as the instability persists in the Arab world's most populous country.

"The ongoing conflict among the various political forces ... may lead to the collapse of the state and threaten the future of our coming generations," Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said Tuesday.

Anti-government protesters ignored Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy's curfew order in cities along the Suez Canal and clashed with police and troops, state-run media reported Tuesday.

CNN iReport: Inhaling tear gas, breaking the curfew

An protester throws a tear gas canister back toward riot police in Tahrir Square on Sunday, January 27, in Cairo, Egypt. An judge sentenced 21 people to death Saturday for their roles in a football game riot last year, a ruling that sparked deadly clashes between security forces and relatives of the convicted. An protester throws a tear gas canister back toward riot police in Tahrir Square on Sunday, January 27, in Cairo, Egypt. An judge sentenced 21 people to death Saturday for their roles in a football game riot last year, a ruling that sparked deadly clashes between security forces and relatives of the convicted.
Egyptian policemen and relatives on January 27 gather upon the arrival of the coffins of their colleagues killed in the violence one day earlier in Cairo.Egyptian policemen and relatives on January 27 gather upon the arrival of the coffins of their colleagues killed in the violence one day earlier in Cairo.
A protester throws a rock toward opposing demonstrators on January 27 in Cairo.A protester throws a rock toward opposing demonstrators on January 27 in Cairo.
Egyptian protesters throw stones toward riot police on January 27 in Tahrir Square.Egyptian protesters throw stones toward riot police on January 27 in Tahrir Square.
An Egyptian protester runs with a live tear gas canister toward Egyptian riot police on Saturday, January 26, in Cairo.An Egyptian protester runs with a live tear gas canister toward Egyptian riot police on Saturday, January 26, in Cairo.
Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
Egyptian protesters stand by the burning door of a school building on January 26, in Cairo.Egyptian protesters stand by the burning door of a school building on January 26, in Cairo.
An Egyptian protester carries an injured boy away from clashes with Egyptian riot police on January 26, in Cairo.An Egyptian protester carries an injured boy away from clashes with Egyptian riot police on January 26, in Cairo.
Egyptians climb over a fence at the Al-Ahly home stadium on January 26 in Cairo.Egyptians climb over a fence at the Al-Ahly home stadium on January 26 in Cairo.
An Egyptian fan of Al-Ahly football club fires celebratory shots in the air and lights a flare as club supporters celebrate outside its headquarters in Cairo on January 26.An Egyptian fan of Al-Ahly football club fires celebratory shots in the air and lights a flare as club supporters celebrate outside its headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
A protester throws a rock at riot police on January 26, in Cairo.A protester throws a rock at riot police on January 26, in Cairo.
A fan of Al-Ahly football club lights a flare as club supporters celebrate on January 26 in Cairo.A fan of Al-Ahly football club lights a flare as club supporters celebrate on January 26 in Cairo.
Al-Ahly football club supporters celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.Al-Ahly football club supporters celebrate outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
Al-Ahly football club supporters celebrate on January 26.Al-Ahly football club supporters celebrate on January 26.
Smoke billows from a burning vehicle set on fire by Egyptian protesters outside the Port Said prison on January 26.Smoke billows from a burning vehicle set on fire by Egyptian protesters outside the Port Said prison on January 26.
Egyptians react after the sentencing in Port Said on January 26.Egyptians react after the sentencing in Port Said on January 26.
An Al-Ahly soccer fan swings a live flare above his head on January 26 in Cairo.An Al-Ahly soccer fan swings a live flare above his head on January 26 in Cairo.
An Egyptian protester tries to carry an injured man away from clashes with riot police on January 26, in Cairo.An Egyptian protester tries to carry an injured man away from clashes with riot police on January 26, in Cairo.
Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club rally outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.Egyptian fans of Al-Ahly football club rally outside the club's headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
An Egyptian protester runs away from a cloud of tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police on January 26, in Cairo. An Egyptian protester runs away from a cloud of tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police on January 26, in Cairo.
Relatives of victims killed during the 2012 Port Said soccer game react after the verdict of the court, at a courthouse in Cairo, on January 26.Relatives of victims killed during the 2012 Port Said soccer game react after the verdict of the court, at a courthouse in Cairo, on January 26.
Relatives and friends of Egyptian protesters who were killed in Suez during clashes with riot police Friday, load a body onto an ambulance outside the morgue in Suez on January 26.Relatives and friends of Egyptian protesters who were killed in Suez during clashes with riot police Friday, load a body onto an ambulance outside the morgue in Suez on January 26.
A fan of Al-Ahly football club lights a flare as club supporters celebrate outside its headquarters in Cairo on January 26.A fan of Al-Ahly football club lights a flare as club supporters celebrate outside its headquarters in Cairo on January 26.
Two protesters stand on top of a piece of furniture while riot police watch from a nearby rooftop in Cairo.Two protesters stand on top of a piece of furniture while riot police watch from a nearby rooftop in Cairo.
A protester throws a rock at riot police in Cairo.A protester throws a rock at riot police in Cairo.
An Egyptian protester walks through a cloud of tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police.An Egyptian protester walks through a cloud of tear gas fired by Egyptian riot police.
An "Ahly-Ultra" soccer fan holds a smoke flare above his head in Cairo.An "Ahly-Ultra" soccer fan holds a smoke flare above his head in Cairo.
A protester walks through a damaged school building.A protester walks through a damaged school building.
A protester removes the net from a basketball goal in a Cairo schoolyard.A protester removes the net from a basketball goal in a Cairo schoolyard.
Protesters and football fans clash with riot police near Egypt's interior ministry.Protesters and football fans clash with riot police near Egypt's interior ministry.
Protesters and fans of Al-Masry football club take part in a demonstration in front of the prison in Port Said.Protesters and fans of Al-Masry football club take part in a demonstration in front of the prison in Port Said.
Egyptian protesters and fans of Al-Masry football club wave their club colors as they take part in a demonstration in front of the prison in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Port Said on Friday, January 25, calling for the prisoners who are suspected of killing 74 fans of Al-Ahly club during a football match in February 2012 not to be transferred to Cairo to attend their trial. A judge sentenced 21 people to death for their roles in the riot last year.Egyptian protesters and fans of Al-Masry football club wave their club colors as they take part in a demonstration in front of the prison in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Port Said on Friday, January 25, calling for the prisoners who are suspected of killing 74 fans of Al-Ahly club during a football match in February 2012 not to be transferred to Cairo to attend their trial. A judge sentenced 21 people to death for their roles in the riot last year.
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
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Photos: Clashes in Egypt after court sentencingPhotos: Clashes in Egypt after court sentencing
Morsy declares limited state of emergency
Egypt's Morsy imposes curfew after riots
Egypt verdict causes deadly clashes

It's the latest in the seesaw struggle between Egypt's first democratically elected president and dissidents who say his tenure is a throwback to past dictatorships, particularly the reign of President Hosni Mubarak, who was toppled in a popular revolt two years ago.

The most recent furor stems from Morsy's declaration of a limited state of emergency for violent hot spots. On Sunday, he announced a 30-day nighttime curfew for the provinces of Port Said, Suez and Ismailia.

Those areas have seen a spate of bloodshed in recent days, starting with the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution on Friday.

Dissidents angry about the slow pace of change fought with Morsy supporters and police. At least seven people were killed in those clashes.

The tumult intensified a day later, when a judge issued death sentences for 21 Port Said residents for their roles in a deadly football riot last year.

Port Said, which has had a difficult relationship with Cairo over the past six decades, erupted in chaos. At least 38 people were killed in the two days following the verdicts.

Egypt's defense minister has denied reports that the army used live ammunition on protesters, state-run media reported.

Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim told police forces Sunday that he understands the challenges and demands they've faced, saying "together with your brothers at the armed forces, you constitute the country's shield and fort in face of all dangers."

"You've faced unprecedented and systematic patterns of violence," he said. "Your security during these confrontations is my goal."

Ibrahim huddled with Prime Minister Hisham Qandil on Monday over state of emergency arrangements, including maintaining peaceful expression, but also dealing firmly with saboteurs targeting police.

The Transport Ministry said that despite the tumult in the Suez Canal region, the unrest has not affected shipping operations to or from the eastern and western ports of Port Said or the traffic at the El Arish port.

What's behind the latest wave of violence in Egypt?

Black Bloc labeled terrorist group

Egyptian Prosecutor General Talaat Abdullah has listed one anti-government group, the Black Bloc, as a terrorist entity.

Authorities say its members are often seen wearing black ski masks, waving their trademark black flag while taking part in some of the most violent attacks against police and security forces.

Egypt on edge: Cities under curfew
New, deadly violence in Egypt
Thousands flood Tahrir Square in protest
Protests in Egypt on anniversary

The designation raises the specter of the government taking a more aggressive stance against anti-government protesters.

The group says its mission is to fight government corruption and oppression. The government has often used the Black Bloc's aggressive tactics to depict anti-government protesters as part of an insurgency that wants to topple Egypt's leadership.

A new round of rebellion

Twenty minutes after the 9 p.m. Monday curfew began, protesters amassed and chanted, "With our souls, with our blood, we will sacrifice for you, Port Said," state-run television reported.

Egyptian troops beat back an attempt by a half-dozen gunmen to storm a prison in Port Said, according to EgyNews.

West of Port Said, in the coastal city of Alexandria, protesters sat on train tracks, disrupting rail travel.

Anti-government protests also sprouted up in Cairo, and demonstrators in Suez fought with security forces, state-run Nile TV reported.

Morsy calls for talks

In a speech Sunday night, Morsy decried the behavior of "criminals," saying recent violence "does not have anything to do with the Egyptian revolution. ... In fact, it is against the revolution."

But he acknowledged the legitimate dissent in Egypt, saying "dialogue is the only way to bring about stability and security."

To this end, he invited representatives from 11 political parties to a meeting.

But a key opposition leader issued conditions before accepting Morsy's call for talks.

"Without accepting his responsibility as a president for the latest bloody events, promising to form a government of national salvation and commissioning a balanced committee to amend the constitution, any dialogue will be a waste of time," said Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the Constitution Party and a member of the opposition National Salvation Front.

Protests could drag on

The National Salvation Front held the president responsible "for the excessive violence used by security forces against protesters" and called for peaceful demonstrations, according to a statement posted on the state-run Al-Ahram news website.

The group made several demands before it would urge people to stop protesting, including the formation of a new government and making changes to what it called the "distorted constitution" that voters passed in a referendum last month.

Morsy's supporters warned the opposition against such demands.

"We would like for the political forces, especially the National Salvation Front, to realize how important this defining moment is and to put the interest of the nation above all," said Gamal Tag, senior leader of the Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood.

"They need to know that President Morsy's call for dialogue is not out of weakness, but it is out of his responsibility as president. ... Some forces are still putting conditions and obstacles before this national dialogue in order to make it fail. These people do not put forward the national interest. They are looking for personal gains."

U.N. human rights official weighs in

The scores of deaths prompted Navi Pillay, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, to denounce the violence and call for dialogue among all parties.

"While at least two policemen are among those killed, preliminary unconfirmed reports suggest that most of the casualties have been caused by live fire and excessive use of tear gas by the authorities," a statement from Pillay's office said.

In addition, as many as 25 female protesters reportedly have been sexually assaulted in Cairo's Tahrir Square over the past few days, "in some cases with extraordinary violence," the statement said.

She said the state of emergency should be governed by the rule of law, in line with international standards. She urged Morsy to listen to the demands of demonstrators and take action to deal with problems in the judicial system. She said that all "stakeholders" should be involved in reviewing legislation on demonstrations, associations and access to public information.

"I urge the Government to take urgent measures to ensure that law enforcement personnel never again use disproportionate or excessive force against protestors, firstly because it is illegal to do so, and secondly because it is likely to make the situation even more explosive," Pillay said. "At the same time, it is unacceptable and a dereliction of duty not to intervene when protestors are being attacked by thugs and when women are being raped and sexually assaulted."

CNN's Amir Ahmed, Salma Abdelaziz and Joe Sterling contributed to this report.

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