Clashes in Egypt kill seven and injure 261.

Renata Giraldi*

Reporter from Agência Brasil 

Brasilia – At least seven people died and 261 were injured during clashes in the early hours of today (16), in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The clashes occurred between supporters of the deposed president Mouhamed Mursi and security forces of the new government. According to official data, there were five deaths in the Giza neighborhood (southwest of the capital) and two in Ramses, near one of the main bridges over the Nile and Tahrir Square.

Cairo's emergency services chief, Mohammed Soltan, said clashes in Ramses resulted in 125 injuries, while those in Giza left 130 wounded. Six people were injured near the Rabaa Al Adawita Mosque, where Morsi's supporters were concentrated.

Morsi's supporters are calling for the return of the ousted president. Out of power for 13 days, Morsi is being held in custody under the supervision of security forces. His location is not being revealed. Supporters and collaborators of the ousted government have also been detained.

Morsi's removal was led by the Armed Forces. Since then, Adly Mansour, president of the Supreme Court, has been in power on an interim basis. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have announced that elections will be held in about six months.

According to authorities, the presidential election should take place as soon as the new parliamentarians are elected. The decree established a four-and-a-half-month deadline for changes to the Constitution approved in December. The constitution was suspended the week Morsi was ousted.
*Based on information from the Portuguese public news agency, Lusa