Protester shot dead by police at a leftist party march in downtown Cairo

CAIRO – A Egyptian political party statement says a female protester was shot dead by police at a march in downtown Cairo.

The leftist Popular Alliance party says that police shot its member Shaimaa el-Sabagh with birdshot Saturday evening as the group peacefully marched toward Tahrir Square to lay a commemorative wreath of roses on the eve of the 4th anniversary of Egypt's 2011 uprising.

A Ministry of Health confirmed that a female protester died from birdshot injuries to her head and body.

Security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters, say they arrested 11 people following clashes.

The death comes during a sweeping government crackdown on all forms of dissent; authorities have criminalized all demonstrations that haven't received prior government approval.