Further Egyptian upheaval as rival factions protest

Hundreds of thousands of supporters and opponents of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi gathered in Cairo and Alexandria yesterday, two days after similar gatherings led to nationwide clashes that claimed more than 30 lives.

The huge crowds, who stayed out on the streets until the early hours, raised the risk of further violence while a military- driven plan to resolve the political crisis remained mired in mistrust and confusion.

Protesters opposed to Morsi crammed into Cairo’s Tahrir Square and at the presidential palace in a festive atmosphere.