Egypt Updates: Demonstrations of "Hundreds" in Cairo and Assuit; Six Activists Detained

Photo: Ian Lee (CNN)1425 GMT: Charges have been filed against eight activists detained in Monday night's protests in the Shubra neighbourhood of Cairo. (EA earlier reported six had been arrested --- see 0940 GMT).

The eight, who are all Muslim, have been charged with illegal rallying, rioting, damaging public property, and assaulting police officers on duty.

1000 GMT: Pope Shenouda III, the head of the Coptic Church, has called on his "children" to stop demonstrations and to pursue dialogue in solving problems.

The Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Ali Gomaa, has called for joint Christian-Muslim development projects and for television discussions between Christian and Muslim youth.

0940 GMT: More demonstrations on Tuesday night over the bombing outside the Al-Qiddissine church in Alexandria, which killed up to 50 people....

Hundreds marched in the Shubra neighbourhood of Cairo. They were met by officers in riot gear of visors, body armor, shields, and batons. However, in contrast to clashes on previous nights, the police allowed a path for demonstrators to pass.

Protesters chanted, "With my blood and my soul I will defend the cross."

About 500 demonstrators gathered on Tuesday evening in the southern Egyptian cityof Assuit. In front of the headquarters of the ruling National Democratic Party, they shouted slogans and vowed to protect the cross.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities held six activists over Monday night's protests in Cairo. Mostafa Shawky faces charges of attacking police officers, intentionally sabotaging public facilities, and inciting strife. The other five, from Justice and Freedom Youth and the newly-formed leftist group El-Tagdeed El-Ishetra have yet to be tried.

A demonstration demanding the release of the activists was held in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The official death toll has risen to 23.