Egypt protests marked by violent clashes

A protester lobs a tear gas canister back toward security forces as violence continues to flare in the Egyptian capital.

It is the fourth day of violent protests in Cairo, as protesters demonstrate against President Mohamed Mursi, who they say has betrayed the revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak two years ago.

At least 49 people have been killed in Egypt since the violence erupted last week.

Late on Sunday, Mursi declared a month-long state of emergency in three cities on the Suez Canal, where dozens of people have been killed in clashes with security forces.

Egypt's politics have become deeply polarised since the revolution that sent shockwaves through the region.

And in the streets of Cairo some people agreed with the state of emergency whilst others strongly opposed it.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PROTESTER SAMIR BEIALY, SAYING:

"It was a situation which required firmness or else huge chaos would've broken out in Suez and Port Said; and this is very dangerous for us because we know the Suez Canal is nearby and this is a very active lifeline for the whole world. Everyone goes to this place because of its strategic importance for the whole world-- Europe, America and Asia-- so it needs complete protection."

This man said the decision was influenced by Mursi's Islamist cohorts, the Muslim Brotherhood.

A source at Egypt's interior ministry confirmed that one bystander was killed in Monday's clashes which were also breaking out in other parts of the country.