By M. Bilal Kenasari
WASHINGTON
The U.S. on Monday condemned violence against peaceful protesters that erupted on the fourth anniversary of Egypt's uprising that led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak.
"We strongly condemn the violence that took place over the weekend in Egypt, whether against peaceful protesters or security forces,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. “We urge the Egyptian security forces to show restraint and to provide a safe environment in which Egyptians can peacefully express their views."
According to the Egyptian Health Ministry, the death toll from the violence stands at 23, including three policemen and eleven others injured, while 429 people arrested.
"We urge all Egyptians to exercise common restraint and to unequivocally condemn all acts of violence," she added.
The protest was organized by the leftist Popular Alliance to mark the anniversary of Egypt's uprising in January 2011, which was part of demonstrations against regimes in a number of Middle Eastern countries during the so-called Arab spring.
