Egypt unrest: Morsi declares emergency in three cities

Forget about the soccer game. Looks like most of the unrest is unhappiness with Morsi and the way he jammed through the new Sharia constitution of Egypt. And now he’s going to institute a curfew in 3 main cities to quell the protests and violence.

Did he think the people of Egypt were just going to roll over?

BBC – Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has declared a state of emergency in the cities of Port Said, Suez and Ismalia after days of deadly unrest.

A daily curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 will be imposed for 30 days from Monday, he said in a speech to the nation. At least 33 people died over the weekend in Port Said, where a court judgment sparked rioting. … Protests erupted in Port Said after a court sentenced 21 local people over deadly football violence nearly a year ago. …

Unhappiness with Mr Morsi’s rule fueled unrest elsewhere.

In the capital Cairo, anti-government protesters clashed with security forces near Tahrir Square for a fourth consecutive day. The liberal opposition accuses Mr Morsi of being autocratic and driving through a new constitution that does not protect adequately freedom of expression or religion.

The government is also being blamed for a deepening economic crisis.

Mr Morsi said he might take further steps “for the sake of Egypt” as it was his “duty” as president. He also invited political leaders to a “national dialogue” on Monday.

The state of emergency applies to the three cities along the Suez Canal, and their surrounding regions.

“I have said I am against any emergency measures but I have said that if I must stop bloodshed and protect the people then I will act,” the president said. “If I must I will do much more for the sake of Egypt. This is my duty and I will not hesitate.”

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