Protesters fill Egypt’s Tahrir Square

Thousands gathered in central Cairo’s Tahrir Square ahead of mass protests planned against the decision by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to grant himself sweeping powers.   (Andre Pain / EPA)

Egyptian protesters clash with security forces near Tahrir Square in Cairo, where an opposition rally has been called to express rejection of President Mohamed Morsi’s seizure of near absolute powers.  (Khalil Hamra / Associated Press)

Egyptian protesters and police clashed in Cairo just hours ahead of a planned massive rally by opponents of the country’s Islamist president demanding he rescinds decrees that granted him near-absolute powers.  (Khalil Hamra / Associated Press)

Egyptian protesters hold a giant national flag during a rally against President Mohamed Morsi at Tahrir Square.  (Andre Pain / EPA)

Egyptians carry a protester who was wounded in clashes with security forces near Tahrir Square.  (Thomas Hartwell / Associated Press)

A masked Egyptian protester takes cover during clashes with security forces near Tahrir Square.  (Khalil Hamra / Associated Press)

Egyptian protesters take cover during clashes with security forces near Tahrir square.  (Khalil Hamra / Associated Press)

An Egyptian protester throws back a tear-gas canister that had been fired by security forces during clashes near Tahrir Square in Cairo.  (Khalil Hamra / Associated Press)

Egyptian protesters hold a giant national flag during a protest against President Mohamed Morsi at Tahrir Square.  (Andre Pain / EPA)