Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood calls for uprising after troops shoot protesters

The political wing of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood called Monday for a popular uprising against the military after soldiers opened fire on supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi who had gathered outside the building where they believe Morsi is being held.

State-run television said that 51 people were killed and 435 were wounded in the shooting. Mahmoud Zaqzooq, a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman, said 53 were shot dead, including five children.

Hundreds of supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi gathered outside the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo on Sunday calling for the release of the former president.

There were conflicting accounts of what triggered the violence. Brotherhood officials and several witnesses said troops opened fire unprovoked as the protesters were reciting dawn prayers. But a military spokesman said an armed group from the pro-Morsi camp attacked troops at the headquarters, leading to one soldier’s death, and the military responded with force afterward.

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