Egyptian protesters released after 29 days

CAIRO, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The Egyptian government released 60 people arrested in December during clashes outside the Cabinet building, officials say.

The 60 detainees were taking into custody during a protest against the Dec. 16 appointment of Kamal al-Ganzouri to prime minister by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. Al-Ganzouri was prime minister during the rule of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's rule. Protesters also demanded the council transfer power to a civilian body. A clash ensued with security forces.

The Egyptian newspaper al-Masry al-Youm reported Friday at least 17 people were killed during the clash, some of whom were shot.

The 60 protesters were detained pending investigations into the charges against them. An Egyptian court ordered their release Thursday.

Cairo Criminal Court decided to free the suspects while the investigation continues, the Middle East News Agency reported.