Egyptian security forces clash with protestors

The deaths of dozens of supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi have gained security forces no ground as the activists continued their sit-in protest in Cairo.

Spokesmen for the pro-Morsi Muslim Brotherhood claimed they would not drop their demands. The Brotherhood has demanded that former president Morsi is immediately reinstated to office. Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad el-Haddad told foreign journalists the number of protestors is increasing every day. "Citizens are recognising the tyranny and the long-term danger of the military coup", foreign agencies quoted.

Haddad said three types of groups, described as badly dressed thugs, police in three types of uniform and plain-clothed police, attacked the activists. Reports issued by the health ministry read that 78 people lost their lives in yesterday's clashes. Unofficial reports push the number to over 100.

Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim continued issuing warnings that protestors will be dispersed. He urged activists to return to their senses and abandon the protest. However he denied that live rounds were fired by the security forces and claimed only tear gas was used.

US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the bloodshed and urged authorities to respect the democratic rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. This was the worst case of violence since the coup, which removed Morsi from office.