Fresh clashes outside Egyptian defence ministry

Clashes between protesters and security forces have been taking place near Egypt’s defence ministry in Cairo.

The protesters ignored a warning not to approach the ministry building and threw rocks. Police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Calls to join the demonstration have also been broadcast in Tahrir Square.

On Wednesday, unidentified assailants attacked people protesting against the ruling military council outside the ministry, leaving at least 20 dead.

The unrest comes just three weeks before presidential elections are due to be held – the first since Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down.

Islamists blamed

Earlier on Friday, thousands once again gathered in Tahrir Square – the focus of the uprising that ousted President Mubarak in February 2011 – to protest against the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

The crowd expressed their anger at the generals’ failure to protect the demonstration on Wednesday and reiterated the demand that they hand over power to a civilian administration immediately, rather than after the presidential election.