This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23115821

The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Egypt protest: Thousands stage anti-Morsi rallies Egypt Morsi: Mass political protests grip cities
(35 minutes later)
Protests calling for the resignation of Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi and early presidential elections have begun in the capital, Cairo, and around the country. Mass protests calling for the resignation of Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi and early presidential elections are gripping the capital, Cairo, and other cities.
His opponents say he has failed to tackle economic and security problems.His opponents say he has failed to tackle economic and security problems.
Thousands spent the night in Cairo's Tahrir Square, focus of protests which brought down ex-leader Hosni Mubarak.Thousands spent the night in Cairo's Tahrir Square, focus of protests which brought down ex-leader Hosni Mubarak.
Supporters of Mr Morsi, who became the country's first Islamist president a year ago, are also rallying.Supporters of Mr Morsi, who became the country's first Islamist president a year ago, are also rallying.
Morsi critics also say he has put the Islamist agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood party ahead of the country's wider interests.Morsi critics also say he has put the Islamist agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood party ahead of the country's wider interests.
In Cairo, the anti-Morsi supporters are chanting: "Irhal! Irhal!" ("Leave! Leave!"), reports the BBC's Aleem Maqbool.In Cairo, the anti-Morsi supporters are chanting: "Irhal! Irhal!" ("Leave! Leave!"), reports the BBC's Aleem Maqbool.
Demonstrations are being reported across the countryDemonstrations are being reported across the country
Windows in the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Cairo were reinforced with sandbags ahead of the protests, the BBC's Mohamed Assad reports.Windows in the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Cairo were reinforced with sandbags ahead of the protests, the BBC's Mohamed Assad reports.
A huge rally of presidential supporters is also under way in the Cairo suburb of Nasr City.A huge rally of presidential supporters is also under way in the Cairo suburb of Nasr City.
People there are carrying banners denouncing the opposition, and warning that "legitimacy is a red line".People there are carrying banners denouncing the opposition, and warning that "legitimacy is a red line".
Some are wearing banners saying that they are willing to be martyrs for the cause of keeping the president in power.Some are wearing banners saying that they are willing to be martyrs for the cause of keeping the president in power.
Society splitSociety split
When four Egyptian army Apache helicopters flew over the crowds in Tahrir, anti-Morsi demonstrators cheered.When four Egyptian army Apache helicopters flew over the crowds in Tahrir, anti-Morsi demonstrators cheered.
The chants in the square alternate between humorous songs and angry protestations, all calling for the president to step down.The chants in the square alternate between humorous songs and angry protestations, all calling for the president to step down.
Egyptians have been talking about this day for many weeks - with the opposition vowing not to leave until Mr Morsi steps down and calls early presidential elections, our correspondent says.Egyptians have been talking about this day for many weeks - with the opposition vowing not to leave until Mr Morsi steps down and calls early presidential elections, our correspondent says.
But supporters of Mr Morsi point out that he was elected and say he should see out his full term in office, so there is a real split in Egyptian society at the moment, he adds.But supporters of Mr Morsi point out that he was elected and say he should see out his full term in office, so there is a real split in Egyptian society at the moment, he adds.
Opposition activists say more than 22 million people have signed a petition seeking a snap election. They have urged the signatories to turn up in Tahrir Square.Opposition activists say more than 22 million people have signed a petition seeking a snap election. They have urged the signatories to turn up in Tahrir Square.
The grassroots movement Tamarod (Rebellion) is behind the petition, which has united liberal and secular opposition groups, including the National Salvation Front.The grassroots movement Tamarod (Rebellion) is behind the petition, which has united liberal and secular opposition groups, including the National Salvation Front.
However, many ordinary Egyptians - angered by Mr Morsi's political and economic policies - are also taking part in the rally in Tahrir, where there are plans to march on the presidential palace.However, many ordinary Egyptians - angered by Mr Morsi's political and economic policies - are also taking part in the rally in Tahrir, where there are plans to march on the presidential palace.
Hanan Bakr, who travelled specially from Dubai where she lives, to join the "second Egyptian revolution", told the BBC: "I'm hoping to stay on the streets until the whole regime of the Brotherhood is brought down."Hanan Bakr, who travelled specially from Dubai where she lives, to join the "second Egyptian revolution", told the BBC: "I'm hoping to stay on the streets until the whole regime of the Brotherhood is brought down."
"If Egypt falls under Islamist extremism, this will affect the whole region," the demonstrator said."If Egypt falls under Islamist extremism, this will affect the whole region," the demonstrator said.
Speaking in South Africa, US President Barack Obama urged "all parties to make sure they are not engaging in violence and that police and military are showing appropriate restraint".
Bloodshed
Washington has warned Americans not to travel to Egypt. The UK urged its citizens to "avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings" while France said citizens should "limit movements to those strictly necessary".
On Friday, US national Andrew Pochter and an Egyptian man were killed in Alexandria as protesters stormed an office of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Mr Pochter, who was in the country to teach English to children and improve his own Arabic, was killed apparently while using a mobile phone to take pictures.
His family said in a statement that he had been stabbed by a protester while observing demonstrations.
Another man, said to be a journalist, was killed by an explosion in Port Said and five other people were injured.
President Morsi earlier this week offered a dialogue - a move rejected by his opponents.President Morsi earlier this week offered a dialogue - a move rejected by his opponents.
Mr Morsi, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, became Egypt's first Islamist president on 30 June 2012, after winning an election considered free and fair.Mr Morsi, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, became Egypt's first Islamist president on 30 June 2012, after winning an election considered free and fair.
His first year as president has been marred by constant political unrest and a sinking economy.His first year as president has been marred by constant political unrest and a sinking economy.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions