EGYPT— Egyptian security forces on Friday used tear gas to disperse thousands who took to the streets protesting against the deal to hand over two islands- Tiran and Sanafir- to Saudi Arabia.
The deal was signed during a visit by Saudi Arabias King Salman to Cairo last week, and has provoked a storm of criticism against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
On Thursday, police warned Egyptians not to hold demonstrations after activists called for rallies across Cairo after Friday prayers.
Demonstrations not approved by the police have been banned, and earlier this week Egypts interior ministry said it would take legal action against people who participated in them.
The calls for protests were issued by secular and Islamist activists who accuse Mr Sisi of selling the islands in return for Saudi investments.
Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because in 1950 Saudi Arabia had asked Cairo to protect them.
Even critics who concede that the islands belong to Saudi Arabia still took issue with the way Mr Sisis administration announced the deal only after signing it.
On Wednesday, Mr Sisi gave a speech defending himself and saying the deal was kept secret to avoid controversy.
The President, who won elections in 2014, is reviled by Islamists and secular dissidents, but many Egyptians say they need a strong leader to revive the countrys economy after years of unrest.
AFP/Reuters
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