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At Least 36 Dead In Egyptian Prison Escape Attempt

Max Meyer |
August 18, 2013 | 1:40 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

 

Egyptian protests (hardcorekancil, Creative Commons)
Egyptian protests (hardcorekancil, Creative Commons)
At least 36 people were killed during a planned escape from a prison truck convoy in Cairo, according to Egypt's official news agency. 

The news agency reported that a group of gunmen attempted to free Muslim Brotherhood prisoners, and were killed in a gunfire exchange with Egyptian police. The gunmen also belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood, the organization that ousted President Mohamed Morsi was a part of. 

The police trucks were carrying more than 600 detainees who were violent supporters of Morsi. A police official that spoke to Yahoo News said that tear gas was used during the situation. 

Another official said that a police officer was momentarily taken hostage by the Islamist prisoners. Egyptian police then used the tear gas to help free the injured officer. Officials said that all the deaths occurred from suffocating on the gas. 

MORE: Protestors Torch Government Building As Egypt Death Toll Rises

However, there have been contradicting reports about the incident between Egyptian officials and media. While officials stated that the deaths were a result of the tear gas, MENA state news agency reported that the gunfire battle was the reason for the 36 casualties. Additionally, while officials said that not all of the gunmen were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the media reported they all were.

Over 1,000 Islamist protestors have been arrested since Wednesday, when the Egyptian police force and military have began to take action on the rebellious supporters of former President Morsi.

 

 

Reach Executive Producer Max Meyer by email.



 

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