Prosecution releases 25 arrested for protesting

Saturday 16-04-2016 07:01 PM

Egyptian activists shout anti-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and government slogans during a demonstration protesting against the government's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, in front of the Press Syndicate in Cairo, Egypt, April

CAIRO, Apr 16 (Aswat Masriya)- Qasr al-Nil prosecution released on Saturday 25 people arrested on Friday during protests against the recent maritime border demarcation agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement which stipulated that two disputed islands, Tiran and Sanafir, are part of Saudi territorial waters, has provoked public ire in Egypt.  

The two red sea islands are located at the mouth of the Gulf of al-Aqaba and  are strategically significant as they both control maritime activity in the gulf. 

The agreement came under heavy scrutiny by many Egyptians who argue that the two islands belong to Egypt and should not be given up to Saudi Arabia. It has yet to be ratified by the parliament.

Marking a rare expression of public anger, thousands of protestors gathered in front of the press syndicate on Friday, under the slogan "Friday of the land."

During Friday's protests, security forces arrested at least 100 people in nine different provinces across Egypt.

Protesters ended their demonstration Friday evening and said they will resume protesting on Apr. 25, which coincides with Sinai Liberation day. 

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