The prolonged demonstration in Egypt intensifies
Posted Feb 4, 2011 10:17:31 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EGYPT – Demonstrators continue to stake outside Liberation Square to convince Hosni Mubarak to leave office. The vibe was peaceful and calm on Friday as the ocean of protesters paused for night time prayers.
The protesters have been singing and swaying as they prepare for a prolonged demonstration. As darkness falls over Egypt, people on the streets worry trouble-makers will incite violence.
A few hundred Mubarak supporters were trying to invade the Square and rocks were being thrown.
The Egyptian army seemed intent in putting an end to the violence. In Cairo, they have formed a barricade between demonstrators and the Mubarak’s supporters.
Reporter Jackie Rowland had a bird eye’s view of the tension. “I think we’re really in this kind of limbo situation at the moment and that the army is there. The army is ensuring two sides stay apart,” said Rowland.
Al Jazeera’s Amen Mogel-Deen spoke with some demonstrators in Port City. “They are saying that they will remain here, in the square, in Alexandria, and will not move until President Mubarak is out of power,” said Mogel-Deen.
At the White House, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Mubarak needs to take concrete steps. “Without those direct negotiations towards that transition, you’re simply going to see more uncertainty and more unrest.”
Some protesters have been quoted as saying; it is either freedom or death.
