Clashes in Egypt as demonstrators try to storm Ittihadiya palace

Supporters of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are calling for his release Egyptian security forces have clashes with demonstrators after they tried to remove barbed wire protecting the Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo. An officer from the Egyptian Republican Guard told the demonstrators to protest peacefully and not to break the law. However, protesters responded with chants of "down with the ruling regime," as they continued to remove the barbed wires.
Elsewhere, several supporters of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak rallied in Mustafa Mahmoud Square to mark the second anniversary of Mubarak’s resignation. They called for Mubarak to be released and carried banners saying: "The people want to honour the president."
Hussien Ahmed, one of the participants, told Arabstoday that Mubarak "worked for the people," while the current regime "refuses to respond to our demands."
Two years ago, Egyptians had poured onto the streets to celebrate after an aide to Mubarak announced the veteran president's resignation, buoyant that democratic change was within reach.
The 84-year-old's spectacular fall from grace on February 11, 2011 after an 18-day popular revolt sent shock waves across the Middle East and beyond.
But two years later, many are angry the main goals of freedom and social justice have not been achieved and that Egypt is polarised between President Mohammed Morsi's mainly Islamist supporters and a broad opposition.
Egypt has witnessed deadly violence, insecurity and price hikes, fuelling the political turmoil gripping the country. Morsi has said a new government will be formed only after parliamentary elections in three or four months.

Additional reporting: AFP