Tensions mount as judges boycott Egyptian poll

Egypt’s judges yesterday said most of them would not oversee a nationwide referendum on a contentious draft constitution, as tens of thousands of opponents and supporters of the country’s Islamist president staged rival rallies in Cairo, four days ahead of the vote.

The demonstrations and judges’ boycott came hours after masked assailants set upon opposition protesters in Tahrir Square, firing birdshot and swinging knives and sticks. Security officials said five “hardened criminals” were arrested in connection with the attack.

Eleven protesters were wounded, the MENA state news agency said.