Egypt: 7 protesters killed on anniversary of Rabaa massacre

At least seven protesters were shot dead by police during Thursday’s nationwide protests marking the one-year anniversary of the Rabaa massacre, Anadolu news agency reported.

According to eyewitnesses, police used tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition to disperse the protesters in a number of cities.

Thousands of Egyptian protesters opposed to the 3 July 2013 military coup organised rallies and marches on Thursday night in 17 different provinces across the country, commemorating the first anniversary of the mass killing of protesters during the violent dispersal of peaceful sit-ins at the Rabaa and Al-Nahda Squares last year, Anadolu reported.

Protesters waved Rabaa signs and chanted against the ex-army chief and current president Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, whom they hold responsible for the massacres.

Protesters also raised pictures of ousted President Mohamed Morsi and called for his reinstatement. They held banners reading: “the people want to overthrow the regime.”

The nationwide protests came in response to a call by the Anti-Coup Alliance to take to the streets on Thursday in commemoration of the Rabaa massacre on 14 August 2013.

Morsi’s son Ossama took part in a demonstration in 6 October City in Cairo, where he delivered a speech assuring protesters that “victory is nigh”.