Al-Azhar Concerned over Gunmen 'Infiltration' into Egypt Protests

The Cairo-based Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's top authority, voiced concern on Monday about the infiltration of gunmen into "peaceful" protests across Egypt demanding the resignation of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

"Al-Azhar is monitoring with deep concern what is happening, particularly reports of casualties and the arrest of arms smugglers who seem to have infiltrated the peaceful scene in a bid to turn their weapons on gatherings and cause further bloodshed," a statement said.

It came after at least 16 people died across Egypt on Sunday in clashes between supporters and opponents of Morsi.