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Egyptian protesters took to the streets in another day of demonstrations aimed at Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and his recent attempt to grab more power for himself.
Morsi, who took office in June as the result of the first free elections in Egypt in nearly fifty years, announced near the end of November that he was granting himself sweeping new powers that he claims are necessary to ensure progress for his country.
Many demonstrators were also there to express their anger at the hastily drafted constitution, which many in Egypt feel was not representative of the people's interests.
Several of Egypt's independent newspapers decided not to publish for the day, protesting what they called a lack of press freedoms in the proposed constitution.
Protesters also gathered outside the presidential palace in Cairo, where they broke through police lines to get to the palace gates. Officers originally fired back with tear gas, but eventually relented.
Security officials reported the President Morsi left the palace as the demonstrations grew larger, reportedly to more than 100,000.
In a counter-protest, Morsi supporters gathered outside the Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo to express their solidarity with the President.
A nation-wide referendum on the constitution is set for Dec. 15.
Quote "We won't be able to speak. There won't be a court that we can go talk to. He has made himself a fort, and he says it is a temporary fort.This is something we cannot believe. We have spent 30 years being betrayed. We won't believe Morsi. He will remain seated in the chair and not leave it," - Israa Wafid, protester. Warm up questions 1. Where is Egypt? What is going on there? 2. Have you ever attended a protest? If so, what was it like? 3. What is a constitution? Discussion questions 1. Do you think the demonstrators have a legitimate reason for protesting? Why or why not? 2. Why is it important to have a strong, well thought out constitution? 3. How do Americans express their disapproval with actions that the government takes?
Quote "We won't be able to speak. There won't be a court that we can go talk to. He has made himself a fort, and he says it is a temporary fort.This is something we cannot believe. We have spent 30 years being betrayed. We won't believe Morsi. He will remain seated in the chair and not leave it," - Israa Wafid, protester. Warm up questions 1. Where is Egypt? What is going on there? 2. Have you ever attended a protest? If so, what was it like? 3. What is a constitution? Discussion questions 1. Do you think the demonstrators have a legitimate reason for protesting? Why or why not? 2. Why is it important to have a strong, well thought out constitution? 3. How do Americans express their disapproval with actions that the government takes?
