Mass Cairo protests after disputed Egypt charter adopted
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Egyptian protesters gather in Cairo's landmark Tahrir square on Nov 30, 2012, to protest against a decree by President Mohamed Morsi granting himself broad powers that shield his decisions from judicial review. -- PHOTO: AFP
CAIRO (AFP) - Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Cairo on Friday to pile pressure on President Mohamed Morsi after a panel dominated by fellow Islamists rushed through a controversial draft constitution.
The new charter, adopted after a marathon overnight session boycotted by liberals and Christians, raises serious human rights concerns, including about religious freedom, activists say.
Mr Morsi will review the draft on Saturday, said assembly head Hossam el-Ghiriani, and is then expected to call for a popular referendum within two weeks.
The constitution has taken centre stage in the country's worst political crisis since Mr Morsi's election in June, squaring largely Islamist forces against liberal opposition groups.
