Nevertheless, many Egyptians will applaud the tough way these clashes have been handled. They are longing, above all, simply for a return to law and order, and to normality.
The BBC's Jon Leyne said trouble flared Friday when protesters ignored army warnings not to approach the ministry.
They tried to break through a protective ring of barbed wire and soldiers responded with water cannons and tear gas.
Both sides threw rocks at the other in clashes that lasted several hours.
Later the health ministry said one soldier had been killed and about 300 people wounded. It says about 130 are being treated in hospital.
The clashes erupted just three weeks ahead of Egypt's first presidential election since a popular uprising ousted former president Hosni Mubarak last year.
On Saturday morning, after the curfew ended at 0500 GMT, the protests had subsided in the area surrounding the defense ministry, while soldiers and armored personnel carriers blocked off a road leading to the ministry.
More photos here |
Earlier on Friday, military police charged the protesters, chasing them down side streets near the ministry on foot and in military vehicles, firing birdshot and assault rifles into the air amid chaotic scenes, AFP reported.
The presidential election is scheduled for May 23 and 24 with a run-off for June 16 and 17 if there is no outright winner.
The military vowed it would transfer power to civilian rule before the end of June, or by May if there is a clear winner in the first round.
Source: Agencies
05-05-2012 - 13:01 Last updated 05-05-2012 - 13:01
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