The hope was that a new constitution would help calm the protests that have roiled Cairo since last week, when President Mohamed Morsy issued a declaration granting himself near-dictatorial, albeit supposedly temporary, powers. But it appears the draft document -- approved by an Islamist-dominated assembly in the wee hours of Friday morning only after walkouts from liberal and Christian members -- has only served to stoke the flames.
Thousands gathered in Tahrir Square the day the document was passed to protest. They say the charter was passed hastily, ignored input from non-Islamist voices, and could lead to restrictions on speech, women's rights, and other freedoms. Reuters called the scenes "reminiscent of the popular uprising that unseated predecessor Hosni Mubarak." As Evan Hill writes for Foreign Policy, the Muslim Brotherhood isn't backing down without a fight. The group has promised it will hold its own rallies on Saturday to show support for the government. Here's a look at the scene in Cairo.
Above, former presidential candidate Khaled Ali (second from the right) and political activist Bothyna Kamel (second from the left) take part in a march heading to the square.
AMRO MARAGHI/AFP/Getty Images
