Egyptians converge on Tahrir Square to protest military’s power grab

Crowds voice their support for Islamist candidate Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood

22 June 2012, 2:14 pm

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Egyptian protesters wave national flags and banners in Tahrir Square in Cairo on Thursday. (photo credit: Manu Brabo/AP)

CAIRO (AP) — Tens of thousands of Egyptians have converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest against the ruling military council’s power grab and in support of the Islamist presidential candidate who they believe won the election.

The crowd held Friday prayers in the square, which was the epicenter of the uprising that forced longtime leader Hosni Mubarak to step down last year.

The results of the race were delayed amid challenges from Morsi’s contender, Mubarak’s last Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, adding tension to an already explosive political standoff.

The cleric leading the prayers said Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood’s presidential candidate, was the clear winner in the election.

Protesters chanted against the military council, which issued a declaration last week stripping the next president of much of his authority.