Egyptian women angered over violence

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CAIRO, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Thousands of women marched through Cairo Wednesday to protest violence and humiliation at the hands of the Egyptian military, witnesses said.

The protesters said the government's statement that it feels "great regret" over recent escalating violence toward female protesters falls far short of an apology, Bikyamasr.com reported.

The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces said it reaffirmed the right of women to protest and "promised it was taking legal measures to punish those responsible for violations," the statement said.

Outrage over the military's treatment of female protesters increased with the release of a video showing a veiled woman attacked by soldiers, who ripped her dress to reveal a blue bra.

At least 14 people have died and 700 people have been injured since Friday in escalating violence against protesters. Assaults against women and the elderly have market the recent outbreak of violence, Bikyamasr.com said.

Also Tuesday, a young boy, believed to be about 11 years old, died after being shot in heart in Tahrir square, witnesses said. Islam Abdel Hafeez Hamaza was taken to the field hospital at the nearby Omar Makram mosque, where doctor were unable to save him, Bikyamasr.com reported.

He would be the youngest person known to die in the street violence, the news Web site said.