Demonstrators protest against Morsi's decree

About 5,000 people protested in Tahrir Square on Friday against the decree issued by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The protesters reportedly blocked the square from incoming traffic and held signs which read: “Yes to protests, no to the brotherhood.” They repeated chants saying: “the people don’t want the Muslim Brotherhood.” This comes amidst ongoing unrest between hundreds of protesters and police in Mahmoud Street. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails. Chairman of the Constitution Party Mohammed el-Baradei and President of National Congress Party Amr Moussa led marches to Tahrir Square. Liberation preacher Arafa al-Sayed called for everyone to unite and pray for those who lost their lives in the Mahmoud Street protests. Other parties demonstrated in Tahrir Square, putting up a platform in front of Tahrir Square and hung a large banner that read: “people supported the president’s decisions.” A number of demonstrators told Arabstoday they were filled with joy and declared their support for the constitutional declaration and said it was a victory for the people of the January 25 revolution. They chanted: “Morsi, Morsi, God is Great,” “We love Morsi,” “People support the president’s decision.” Hundreds of police vans and police officers are surrounding Tahrir Square to secure the area.