Nearly 149 people were killed on Wednesday when Egyptian security forces, backed by bulldozers and armoured vehicles, stormed two huge protest camps occupied by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, prompting the Government to impose emergency to quell the raging violence.
The nationwide state of emergency will be in force from 4.00 pm, the presidency said in a statement read out on State television. The emergency will be in place for one month. The state of emergency enables the army to take all necessary measures to impose and retrieve security.
The Interior Ministry issued a statement earlier saying security forces were taking “necessary measures” against the protesters, who want Morsi reinstated, at the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque in the east of Cairo and the protest in Nahda Square. Conflicting reports emerged over the number of people killed. At least 149 people have been killed in clashes around the country, Al Jazeera quoted the Health Ministry as saying.