Egyptian Police Break up Muslim Brotherhood Prayer Meeting

October 14, 2007

Author: Staff Writer

Source: VOA News

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-10-14-voa4.cfm

Egyptian security sources say police fired tear gas and arrested more than 20 people to break up an open-air prayer meeting of the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

The clashes erupted when several hundred people gathered Saturday in the Nile Delta village of El-Salhiya for prayers to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Witnesses say police intervened to prevent the service from behind held outside, where Muslims normally pray during Eid al-Fitr.

Brotherhood members reacted by throwing stones at security forces.

Egypt's government has detained many Brotherhood members in recent months as part of a crackdown on the group.