In pictures: Protests and tensions flare in Egypt

epa03006713 Egyptian Coptic Christians hold flowers and a placard reading in Arabic 'Coptic means Egyptianí during a protest after clashes between Coptic Christians and residents in the Shubra neighborhood, Cairo, Egypt, 17 November 2011. According to media reports, seven people were injured when clashes erupted between residents and Coptic Christians marching from the Shubra neighborhood towards the Egyptian State Radio and Television building in remembrance of the victims killed in clashes last October. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI *** Local Caption *** 03006713.jpg

Egyptian Muslims protest after clashes between Coptic Christians and residents in the Shubra neighborhood. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA

Cairo // Egypt, 18 November 2011. A Syrian Woman stands on a balcony during Friday's protest in Tahrir Square. Tens of thousands of Egyptians rallied Friday in Cairo's Tahrir square with Islamists in the forefront to protest against what they say are att???

Cairo // Egypt, 21 November 2011. Egyptian youth takes cover during clashes with security forces. According to media reports, clashes erupted on 21 November between security forces and protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, rallying against the country's m???

An Egyptian protester prepares to hurl a tear gas canister back at security forces as others run for cover on the third day of clashes at Tahrir Square in Cairo. Activists say rubber bullets and shotguns were also used. The violence came around a week bef???

At least 20 people were killed in Cairo over the weekend in clashes between protesters and security forces in Tahrir Square. Thousands of protesters poured into Tahrir on 20 November, faced down by security forces, backed by military police. Government f???

Protesters amid tear gas fired by riot police during clashes at a road which leads to the Interior Ministry, near Tahrir Square in Cairo November 21, 2011. Amr Abdallah Dalsh / Reuters

Egyptian women wearing the 'Niqab', shout slogans during a rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the pictured Arabic reads " The prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him". Amr Nabil / AP Photo

Egyptian activists with stickers that read: "No to military trials for civilians" at the rally on Friday. Amr Nabil / AP Photo

Mideast Egypt

Thousands of Egyptians perform Friday prayers during a rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday. Amr Nabil / AP Photo

An injured protester is taken way during clashes with Egyptian security forces, in Cairo, Egypt, 21 November 2011. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA