Egyptian police arrested at least 50 people on Wednesday while dispersing demonstrations organized by the Egyptian movement for change, otherwise known as Kifaya (‘Enough’ in Arabic).
The movement is pushing for an end to the presidency of Hosni Mubarak, who has been at the helm since 1981, and to lift the emergency laws imposed under his rule in the same year.
Hundreds participated in the demonstrations, which took place in several districts in Egypt.
Kifaya officials said police forces were deployed extensively in 14 districts where the protests were planned and that policemen used clubs to disperse the crowds.
Earlier this year, Mubarak said he wants a constitutional amendment to allow multi-candidate elections, rather than have a referendum on whether or not to extend his power.
Though welcomed by the international community, the measure has been criticized by members of the opposition who said it will not grant any real power to those who wish to challenge the current regime.
Kifaya has been organizing anti-Mubarak demonstrations since the end of last year, and they have attracted an increasing number of protesters, as well as garnering attention from the international community and the media.
The presidential election in Egypt is due later this year.