BICOM

At least six people are reported to have died in Egypt, as protestors clashed with security forces. The protests, inspired by the recent popular uprising in Tunisia, have seen security forces using rubber bullets and tear gas and demonstrators throwing rocks and petrol bombs. The protests constitute the largest display of popular discontent in the 30 year period of President Hosni Mubarak’s rule. Protestors have used the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to group and organise. Presidential elections are due in Egypt in September, and much of the anger of the demonstrators is centred on the idea that Mubarak is preparing to have his son, Gamal, replace him. Mubarak denies that any such plan exists. Meanwhile, former International Atomic Energy Agency head Mohammed el-Baradei, who is a leading reform campaigner and is also considered a possible candidate for the presidency, is set to return to Egypt today. Between 500-1200 people have been arrested for participation in the protests, which currently show no signs of ebbing. Israeli officials are not concerned presently that Mubarak is in danger of losing power, but the protests are testimony to the deep socio-economic crisis in Egypt, in which a third of the population is illiterate, and 40% of the population live on less than $2 a day.