Egyptians are continuing to protest in Tahrir Square of the nation's capital Cairo. It's been five days since people gathered at the historic square in opposition to a new decree passed by Egyptian president Mohammad Morsi, which extends his executive powers while curbing those of the judicial body.
The protests have turned violent, according to various reports, with police firing tear gas at demonstrators, who in turn have resolved to stone throwing and vandalism.
According to Guardian.co.Uk, universities and schools remained close as demonstrations gain momentum. A huge march expected to attract more than ten thousands Egyptians is likely to take place soon. The Guardian reports that the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi's party postponed a counter-demonstration in order to "prevent bloodshed and divisions."
The problem was caused when the nation's newly elected President Mohammad Morsi decided to make some changes in the design of the Egyptian political and judicial hierarchy. A decree issued by the president, the judicial council is prevented from dissolving the president's constitutional council, thus implying great difficulties for the judiciary to part-take in the formation of the nation's constitution.
According to BBC News, "the decree issued on Thursday, bans challenges of his decisions and says no court can dissolve the constitution assembly, which is drawing up a new constitution."
A hundred Egyptians were reportedly injured as police fired tear gas in the square in the nation's capitol, Cairo. On Saturday, many Supreme Court justices joined the anti-Morsi protests. Never the less the people of Egyptian people remain divided between Mursi supporters and detractors.
President Morsi in a speech declared, "I don't like, want or need to resort to exceptional measures, but I will if I see that my people, nation and the revolution of Egypt are in danger," as reported by Reuters.
The Judiciary Council had dissolved the constitutional assembly of President Morsi's party, The Muslim Brotherhood, months ago when he was first elected to office.
President Morsi was the first president to be elected by the people in Egypt in over sixty years. In 2011, the people of Egypt overthrew the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak.
