Civil disobedience campaign gathers steam in Egypt

Cairo, February 26, 2013: Clashes erupted in many Egyptian cities as calls for civil disobedience to protest against judicial verdicts and President Mohammed Mursi's government spread to many Governorates in the country.

The campaign which began in Port Said entered its 10th day today.

The Investment Authority, the Suez Canal Authority, and other government facilities remain closed.

Marches swept Port Said on 17th February when Ultras Green Eagles, fans of Al-Masry football club, called for civil disobedience along with other groups over the "injustices" endured by residents in the Governorate.

The marches called for justice for protesters killed during clashes on 26th January.

In Daqahleya, protesters gathered in front of the governorate building to protest against the policies of the government and the regime, chanting against Mursi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Protesters chanted against Brotherhood figures like Mahmoud Ghozlan and Khairat Al-Shater while supporters chanted for Mursi.

In Giza, protesters gathered on Sunday night in front of the Governorate building blocking Al-Haram Street and calling for civil disobedience.

Giza Governor Aly Abdel Rahman said that the governorate building was open as normal.

"Despite the citizens' rights to express themselves peacefully, it's absolutely rejected to impede the interests of citizens or block traffic," he said, according to state-owned news agency.

In Ismailia, revolutionary groups held a meeting on yesterday to plan civil disobedience in the governorate.

"The disobedience is scheduled for March 3; we are coordinating with syndicates and workers and spreading awareness in government facilities about the importance and the goals of disobedience," said Ahmed Owry, a political activist in Ismailia.

The official spokesperson of the Cabinet said on the Cabinet's official Facebook page that what was being reported in the media about civil disobedience was not true.

It said that the government appreciated the citizens who refused to respond to such calls, and called on workers to cooperate with the police for the sake of public interest.