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Published 21:49 IST, September 23rd 2019

UNGA: Spontaneous protest erupts outside Sisi's hotel in New York

A group of Egyptian Americans protested outside the hotel of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in New York demanding his resignation during the UNGA session

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
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A group of people protested outside the hotel of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on Monday in New York demanding his resignation. El-Sisi is in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week. According to a London-based news outlet, the group assembled outside the Lotte New York Palace, where he is staying currently, holding various signs and posters. The protestors called El-Sisi as “Trump’s favourite dictator” and chanted slogans in both Arabic and English. 

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Spontaneous groupings at the protest

A foreign media quoted a protest organiser saying that they were not part of any organisation and the grouping was just spontaneous. The protests were held in the aftermath of anti-government demonstrations held in Egyptian cities on Friday. The riot police dispersed the protestors using batons and tear gas and dozens of people were arrested. According to the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights, two journalists were also arrested. Many protestors had gathered near the Tahrir square, the epicentre of the Arab Spring uprising when Hosni Mubarak was toppled from the highest seat.

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Rare protests in el-Sisi regime

Talking about the rare anti-government protest in Egypt, political scientist Mustafa Kamel el-Sayed of Cairo University said that it was a very important development because it was the first such protest against the rule of el-Sisi. He said that it could lead to more protests in the future. His comments stand vindicated after the latest protest was held in New York against el-Sisi's regime. The protests erupted after a self-exiled businessman claimed corruption by the military and government. Later, el-Sisi dismissed the allegations called it 'sheer lies'.

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A former director of Military intelligence, el-Sisi was elected as President in 2014 for the first time and got re-elected last year. The potential challengers were either jailed or were forced to quit. Changes in the Constitution were adopted through a national referendum which has allowed el-Sisi to remain in power till 2030. The difficult economic conditions and price rise has fueled the protests against the el-Sisi regime.

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(Inputs from AP)

19:44 IST, September 23rd 2019