Pro-democracy protesters mark third day of Eid with more demos

Pro-democracy protesters staged several demonstrations across Egypt on Thursday as the country celebrates the third day of Eid al-Adha. Tens of supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi staged a march in the central province of Beni Sueif, denouncing what they called a "military coup" against the elected leader. The protesters called for Morsi's reinstatement and retribution for the demonstrators fallen during the unrest that followed his overthrow by the powerful army on July 3. They also chanted slogans against Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim, and some media outlets, which they accuse of being "biased." In the Nile Delta province of Damietta, Morsi's backers staged several marches, during which they wore yellow shirts and raising the four-finger 'Rabaa Sign' – the mark that became the symbol of Rabaa al-Adawiya sit-in that was brutally dispersed by security forces in August. The Muslim Brotherhood, the group from which Morsi hails, staged a march in Menoufiya, during which the protesters chanted against the military and police. The slogans angered some pro-military individuals, and clashes ensued. No injuries, however, was reported as police arrived in the site of fighting and dispersed the crowds. Similar pro-Morsi rallies were held in Fayoum, Sinai, and Sharqiya. Morsi – Egypt's first freely elected leader – was removed from power by the military following massive, well-coordinated demonstrations against his presidency that began on June 30. The unconstitutional change of government is described by the ousted president's backers as a "military coup," while supporters of the move call it a military-backed "popular uprising."