At least 40 supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi were killed Monday morning during a sit-in near the Republican Guard building where the former Egyptian leader is believed to be under house arrest.
Details are sketchy. Egyptian military heads say only five were killed, but the nation’s Health Ministry put the death count at 42.
A spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood said of that 42, at least five were children, The Associated Press reported. Moreover, hundreds are believed to have been injured.
The deadly violence erupted early in the morning. Military officials say protesters tried to storm the Republican Guard. But a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman denied that to AP and said military forces simply fired into the crowds that had been peaceably gathered to show solidarity with Mr. Morsi.
“This is a crime against humanity,” said one Islamist who had left the area shortly before the clashes and violence began, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.