Suez rioters seize police station amid fear, jubilation

[cali]

By HANNAH ALLAM
McClatchy Newspapers

SUEZ, Egypt -- Thousands of Egyptians stormed a major police station Friday in the port city of Suez - overpowering riot forces, torching armored vans and freeing detainees - in what may be the fiercest of the nationwide protests against the U.S.-allied government.

A peaceful march after Friday's midday prayers turned into an anarchic riot, with throngs of young Egyptians pushing through tear gas and volleys of rubber bullets to breach the District 40 police station's main gate.

Policemen who'd tried to escape out the side of the station were yanked off their motorbikes and beaten bloody. Officers' helmets and batons became trophies for the rioters.

Rioters looted at least six armored personnel carriers for blankets and shields before overturning them and setting them ablaze. Youths stood on top of the vehicles, leading the crowd in calling for the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Soon another chant rose from the street: "Suez! Suez! Suez!"

This coastal city, whose famous canal is of major strategic importance to international trade, is emblematic of Egyptians' malaise. Unemployment is widespread and many educated residents don't dream of earning more than about $100 a month as civil servants. Even low-paying factory jobs go to workers from other provinces, locals complain.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/28/2039969/suez-rioters-seize-police-station.html#ixzz1CO4zzDRN

[inna]

1. pics!! PLEASE