Four dead in Egypt constitution protests

Muslim Brotherhood supporters rally nationwide, ahead of official results of constitutional referendum

By AP and ToI Staff 17 January 2014, 4:45 pm

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Egyptian police check the damage after an explosion at the Imbaba courthouse, amid a massive security operation to protect polling stations, in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 (photo credit: AP/Khalil Hamra)

CAIRO — Supporters of Egypt’s toppled president held sporadic protests on Friday against this week’s constitutional referendum.

Several of the protests turned violent, with Egyptian medical sources saying four people had been killed and dozens wounded, according to Al-Jazeera.

After Friday prayers, protesters backing ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi and his outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group demonstrated in Cairo and other provinces. They’ve been holding near-daily protests since a popularly backed military coup toppled him July 3.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters Friday. Security officials say some Morsi supporters carried locally made guns and gasoline bombs.

Millions of Egyptians voted in a two-day constitutional referendum this week. Unofficial results showed overwhelming support for it, and official results were expected before the weekend.