Hundreds of hardline Egyptian Islamists hold protest, demand Islamic rule
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hundreds of ultraconservative Egyptian Islamists have held a protest in Cairo to demand the imposition of Shariah, or Islamic law.
Protesters, many of them wearing beards favored by conservative Muslims marched to Tahrir Square in central Cairo from a nearby mosque, chanting: "The people want God's rule implemented." A larger demonstration is planned next Friday, they say.
References to Shariah and how they are worded in Egypt's new constitution have split the nation into two rival camps.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}One, led by Islamists, wants firm language that will ensure Islamic law will be fully implemented. They threaten to rally voters against the new constitution when it faces a referendum later this year.
The second group, led by liberals, fears Islamists would turn Egypt to a theocracy where civil liberties are endangered.