Journalists attacked, detained in Egypt

CAIRO (AP) — Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak unleashed their fury on the media today, beating and threatening journalists who were covering fierce battles between pro- and anti-government crowds in central Cairo.

Four Israeli journalists and a Belgian reporter were also detained, according to reports.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists accused the Egyptian government of orchestrating attacks on reporters in an attempt to deprive the world of independent information about the unrest. The government denied it.

CNN's Anderson Cooper and two Associated Press correspondents were among those roughed up during a chaotic day in which Mubarak backers turned out in force for the first time in nine days of protests against his autocratic rule.

A journalist for Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television suffered a concussion, said media watchdog International Press Institute, citing Randa Abul-Azm, the station's bureau chief in Cairo.

The attacks appeared to reflect a pro-government view that many media outlets are sympathetic to protesters who want Mubarak to quit now rather than complete his term.