Hundreds held after Egypt Defense Ministry clash

CAIRO: Lawyers say authorities have detained over 300 Egyptian protesters including 18 women following clashes outside the country’s Defense Ministry, accused of attacking troops and disrupting public order. Lawyer Ragia Omran said Saturday that the roundup is one of the largest mass arrests to follow violent protests during the country’s troubled transition. The detainees face military prosecution. The clashes broke out during an attempt by protesters to march on the Defense Ministry. One soldier was reported killed and over 300 people injured by tear gas, rocks, and live fire. The ruling military council declared an overnight curfew in the area. The violence comes three weeks before presidential elections to replace Hosni Mubarak, ousted after an uprising 15 months ago.