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Thousands Turn Out for Muted Protests Across Egypt


Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters took to the streets in scattered protests across Egypt Friday, calling for an end to the military-backed government and the reinstatement of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

The protests on a day dubbed the "Friday of Martyrs," were the first by Brotherhood members in days and did not show the strength in numbers or intensity of previous demonstrations, some of which boasted tens of thousands of protesters.

Mohamed Ragab was among those taking part in Cairo.



''I've come here today to tell al-Sissi supporters: Enough, enough blood, you are cheapening our freedom Sissi. Oh Interior Minister, I beg you, oh Egyptian ministers who are present here in Egypt, enough blood, please. We're a nation that wants to live with freedom.''



The military, led by General Abdul Fatah al-Sissi, has arrested dozens of Brotherhood officials and supporters over the past week, including the group's spiritual leader, Mohamed Badie.

At least one demonstrator was killed Friday in the Nile Delta city of Tanta. In all, more than 1,000 people have been killed in political violence since Mr. Morsi's ouster, including hundreds of civilians when security forces cleared two massive, ongoing protests by Morsi supporters in Cairo.

The military has blamed the Brotherhood for inciting the violence and says dozens of security forces have also been killed.



The protests come one day after the military-backed government released deposed president Hosni Mubarak from prison.

Mr. Mubarak, an ex-military commander who ruled Egypt for 29 years, was transferred Thursday to a military hospital near Cairo, where he will remain under house arrest.

The 85-year-old is awaiting trial for murder in connection with the killing of hundreds of protesters during a popular uprising that forced him from power in 2011. He has also been charged with corruption.

An Egyptian court ordered Mr. Mubarak's release this week, ruling his pre-verdict detention had exceeded legal limits.
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