Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt’s new Islamist regime faces a new protest faction that
has been battling security forces.

The so-called Black Bloc has deployed hundreds of fighters clad in black
who have battled police and security forces around Cairo and
other major cities. Black Bloc, said to have used electric shock batons, has
also targeted Zaqazig, the town of President Mohammed Morsi.

“We seek to free humans, undermine corruption and topple tyrants,” Black Bloc said in a statement.

The statement, issued on Jan. 24, asserted that the new group did not
represent the political opposition or was financed by any foreign power. Black Bloc said it would protect civilians from the ruling Muslim Brotherhood, which has attacked and imprisoned anti-Morsi protesters.

The Morsi regime has confronted the worst violence since it took office
in June 2012. So far, at least 49 people were killed in two days of
anti-government violence, and the president has declared martial law in three provinces.

“We will confront any threat to its security with force and firmness
within the remit of the law,” Morsi said in a televised address.

Members of Black Bloc cover their faces with masks or handkerchiefs.
They were first seen on Jan. 24 in downtown Cairo, including Tahrir Square,
and later battled police throughout the country.

At Tahrir Square, Black Bloc was said to have used electric shock batons
against those who tried to grope women during an anti-Morsi protest on Jan.
25. Those at Tahrir marked the second anniversary of the civilian protests
that 18 days later toppled the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.

“Our tactics are only meant to stop those who attack protesters,” Black
Bloc said.

  Black Bloc, Muslim Brotherhood, New anti-Morsi group vows to ‘undermine corruption, Tahrir Square, topple tyrants’, Zaqazig