The number of deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces outside the cabinet’s building rose to 17 following two recent deaths in Qasr al-Aini Hospital, Deputy Health Minister Hesham Sheha has said.
The number of cases under treatment in Qasr al-Aini Hospital is 46, he added.
The official death toll from clashes that broke out when security forces broke up the cabinet sit-in last week rose to 15 when a protester died from his injuries Wednesday evening.
Fighting between protesters and military forces began early Friday last week and continued until around dawn on Tuesday, resulting in hundreds of injuries.
According to an earlier statement released by the ministry, the 15th victim was an injured protester who was being treated at Al-Hilal Hospital.
After riot police raided Tahrir Square on two consecutive nights earlier in the week, Wednesday and Thursday have thus far been calm.
Activists are planning for a large demonstration Friday to denounce the policies of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). The recent violence and videos circulated online showing military police beating protesters have sparked anger and prompted calls for the protest.
SCAF supporters are also planning a rally Friday in Abbasseya Square near the Defense Ministry.
