Violent protests continue in Egypt

Egyptian riot police fired tear gas at protesters demanding Egypt's army relinquish power in a sixth night of violence. Scores of young men, coughing and gasping for air stumbled into dark side streets off Cairo’s Tahrir Square to escape the acrid smoke during the battle with police. But undeterred, tens of thousands still thronged the square peacefully throughout the night to protest at the deaths of more than 30 people in the violence and reject the army's offer of a referendum on its rule.

The United Nations strongly condemned authorities for what it deemed an excessive use of force. UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said yesterday she deplored the role of Egypt's security forces in attempting to suppress protesters.

The demonstrations were continuing despite concessions promised by the head of the Egypt’s ruling military council. The clashes are the longest spate of uninterrupted violence since the 18-day uprising that toppled the former regime in February.

Listen to the Christopher Wells’ report: