A cautious calm prevailed in Cairo's Tahrir Square early Wednesday following violent clashes between protesters and street vendors Tuesday night.
Of the 108 injured, 98 were treated at the square’s makeshift clinics and 10 remain in critical condition at Qasr al-Aini Hospital, Health Ministry spokesperson Mohamed al-Sherbiny announced Wednesday.
State news agency MENA earlier quoted Assistant Health Minister Adel Adawy as saying that 79 people were injured, 27 of whom were taken to the hospital.
Thousands of citizens rushed to the square soon after the clashes broke out.
“Thugs are now attacking the protesters in Tahrir. A regime that cannot protect its citizens has failed to carry out its main job," presidential hopeful Mohamed ElBaradei said on Twitter.
Popular committees secured the entrances to the square late Tuesday to prevent people from entering with weapons.
The Tahrir sit-in is entering its 12th day, with the number of protesters decreasing considerably due to the parliamentary elections held Monday and Tuesday.
The protesters said they would remain in Tahrir until the ruling military council transfers power to a civilian government.
