Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces continue to clash

Hundreds were arrested and four killed during anti-government demonstrations in Egypt on Friday.

Demonstrators were protesting the proposed constitution that would outlaw religious parties.

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior released a statement regarding the 169 arrests of ousted former President Mohamed Morsi supporters. Three demonstrators were arrested for setting fire to a police vehicle in Zaitoun, Cairo and were in possession of twelve Molotov cocktails. Another six were arrested in Rod al-Farag, Cairo carrying six Molotov cocktails and six gas masks. "They admitted that they had been on their way to back up Brotherhood marches in Talbiya, Giza.”

Of the four dead, one was killed in downtown Alexandria as Morsi supporters clashed with local residents. Three were killed in Suez when security forces fired tear gas at the pro-Morsi demonstration and protesters fired back with bird shot and fireworks.

Deposed President Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member, was removed from power by the military on July 3, 2013 and was charged in three separate cases with inciting murder in the deaths of protesters. His trial is set to resume February 1.

Tensions between security forces and Muslim Brotherhood supporters spiked following Morsi's removal.

In December, the Egyptian government deemed the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization and announced it would arrest anyone attending Muslim Brotherhood protests or anyone providing financial support to the group. Following that announcement, pro-Muslim Brotherhood protests erupted.

[CNN] [Egypt Independent] [Ahram Online]