Egypt’s curfew backfires in Suez

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's recent decision to impose a curfew and state of emergency has sparked anger and defiance amongst local protesters in Suez, one of the three provinces affected by the decisions. The clampdown, which aimed to curtail the turmoil in Suez, Port Said and Ismailia, has reportedly backfired with thousands of locals taking to the streets in angry protests, prompting army commanders to leaflet areas assuring they will not police Morsi’s clampdown - providing properties are protected. A mass march lapped Suez City as thousands of young people, women and children flew Suez and Egyptian flags, calling for the downfall of the regime. Shopowners and Chamber of Commerce officials joined the protests, claiming Morsi’s curfew, from 2100 hrs to 0600 hrs, had damaged local business. In clear defiance of the curfew, shops and cafes remained open, with some even hanging out signs mocking the President’s initiative. During clashes, protesters climbed onto security forces’ armoured personnel carriers [APCs], emblazoning them with anti-government slogans. Grass-roots activist groups marched on the military governor’s official residence to prevent clashes between angry locals and security forces.