Egypt detains hundreds after protest violence

Military prosecutors ordered the detention of 300 protesters on accusations of attacking troops and disrupting public order during violent clashes outside Egypt's Defence Ministry, a prosecution official said Saturday.

The Friday clashes were some of the worst near the headquarters of the country's ruling generals, and come just three weeks before Egyptians are to head to the polls to vote in a landmark presidential election to see who will head Egypt after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak last year.

As the election approaches on May 23, many Egyptians are worried that the military council that assumed power following Mubarak will not hand over power to a civilian government. The protesters at the ministry were demanding the military council step down.

The Defence Ministry has become a flashpoint for protests this week mostly by supporters of a disqualified Islamist candidate.

After plans were announced for massive rallies Friday, the ruling generals warned demonstrators to stay away from the ministry building. They moved swiftly Saturday to prosecute protesters.

The hundreds of people detained Friday will be held for 15 days pending investigation, the official said. They face charges of attacking military troops, being present in a restricted military area despite warnings and disrupting public order. The detainees are likely to face military trials.

Later on Saturday,military general prosecutor Adel el-Morsi ordered in a statement the release of all female detainees; no reason was given. El-Morsi said officials were still interrogating people.

At least 26 women were being held, according to one official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The official said at least two of the detainees are also facing charges of killing one soldier during the clashes.

Protesters warned against coming to the 'lion's den'

The military council had warned the demonstrators before the march that deadly force would be used against them if they approached the ministry. One warned protesters they would be approaching the "lion's den."

Over 300 people were injured by tear gas, rocks, and live fire. Security officials said 140 soldiers were injured.

An overnight curfew was imposed following the clashes. A military official said a curfew will be in place again Saturday from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time around the ministry.

Maj. Gen. Mukhtar al-Mullah, a member of the military council, warned late Friday that those involved in or instigating violence would be arrested.

On Saturday, the head of the military council, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi visited the injured troops and inspected the area of the clashes. State TV showed footage of the funeral of the slain soldier.

Lawyer Ragia Omran said the roundup is one of the largest mass arrests following protests during the country's troubled transition. She said the number of detainees could still rise.

Protesters are predominantly supporters of an ultraconservative presidential candidate who was barred from running in the presidential election. They held a sit-in outside the ministry starting last Saturday.

Deadly clashes broke out when apparent supporters of the military rulers attacked the crowd Wednesday. Nine people were killed in those clashes, drawing in anti-military protesters from different revolutionary groups who called for the Friday rally demanding the ruling generals stick to their pledges to step down after the elections.

Anger at the ruling military council has risen across the political spectrum. The generals are accused of steering a messy transition, using oppressive measures and manoeuvring to maintain a degree of power even after the presidential election and handover of authority.The generals reiterated this week they would step down after a president is elected.

These recent protests have been spearheaded by Islamists rather than members of the country's left- and liberal-leaning movements who drove last year's uprising that toppled Mubarak.

The Islamists joined in after the disqualification of two heavyweight Islamists, Hazem Abu Ismail and Muslim Brotherhood chief strategist Khairat el-Shater. The Brotherhood has been frustrated that its domination of parliament, where it holds nearly half the seats has not translated into political power.