Protesters clash with riot police in Egypt

Hundreds of people in the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor clashed with riot police today during a protest against government attempts to move them to make room for an open-air museum.

The demonstration turned violent when police prevented the protesters from entering Karnak Temple, one of the most famous sites from the Pharaonic era.

Residents hurled stones at the police, who responded by firing tear gas and arresting 13 people.

The government has offered compensation and temporary housing to many of the displaced residents, but some complain the money is insufficient or simply do not want to move.

“I was born in the house where I live now, and my grandfather and my father lived in it,” said Mohammed Abdel-Radi, one of the residents who was being forced to move. “Therefore, I don’t want to leave to any other place to start new friends and new neighbours.”

Another protester, Nabawi Mohammed Khalil, expressed similar views.

“The alternative houses offered by the government to some of my friends were not good, and the money was also little,” he said.

Located on the Nile River, Luxor’s West Bank contains the Valley of the Kings and its famous collection of well-preserved Pharaonic tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s, that draw thousands of tourists daily to the area.