Looking for Trouble

Egyptian demonstrators still in the streets as Mubarak clings to power

From Al Jazeera, Saturday:

Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has appointed the country’s head of intelligence to the post of vice-president, in a move said to be a reaction to days of anti-government protests in cities across the country.

Omar Soliman was sworn in on Saturday, the first time Mubarak appointed a vice-president during his 30-year rule. Ahmad Shafiq, a former chief of air staff, was also appointed prime minister.

But Al Jazeera’s correspondents in Egypt have said that many of those on taking to the streets have demanded a total change of guard, as opposed to a reshuffling of figures in the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

Tens of thousands of people in the capital Cairo gathered on Saturday, demanding an end to Hosni Mubarak’s  presidency.

The demonstrations continued in defiance of an extended curfew, where state television reported will be in place from 4pm to 8am local time.

A military presence also remains, and the army warned the crowds in Tahrir Square that if they defy the curfew, they would be in danger.

Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from Cairo, said that soldiers deployed to central Cairo are not intervening in the protests.

Read the full report here.

Also, according to Al Jazeera, there are reports that the Egyptian President’s wife Suzanne Mubarak has left for London. Al Jazeera reported earlier that Mubarak’s two sons, Gamal and Ala, have fled to London with their families.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported Saturday that Egyptian security officials say at least 62 people have been killed nationwide over the last two days of mass anti-government protests.

The officials say an additional 2,000 people have been injured in the demonstrations, that have included violent clashes between police and protesters. They said Saturday the figures include injuries and deaths of both protesters and security forces.

The Associated Press is also reporting that relations between the army and the protesters are good right now. The 500,000-man military, which has given Egypt all of its four presidents since the monarchy was toppled in 1952 has enjoyed the respect of citizens who perceive it as the country’s least corrupt and most efficient public institution, particularly compared to a police force notorious for heavy handedness and corruption. It is touted as having defeated Israel in the 1973 Mideast War, and revered for that role.

The military, for its part, sees itself as the guarantor of national stability and above the political fray, loyal to both the government and what it sees as the interests of the general population.

But it remains to be seen what will happen if the troops are ordered to clear the streets.

 Video of the street demos created by Tamer Shaaban, from You Tube:

 

 

 

“We will not be silenced, whether you’re a Christian, whether you’re a Muslim, whether you’re an Atheist, you will demand your goddamn rights, and we will have our rights, one way or the other! We will never be silenced!” – Protester in video

 “Last night the Egyptian Dictatorship killed at least 53 protesters with Weapons given to them by America. That kind of “stability” is not worth protecting. Obama and Hillary are hypocrites. They’ve supported this murder for years and will support Mubarak until the day he is forced from power. As an American I am ashamed of my government. Long live the struggle of the Egyptian people!” – Comment on video’s YouTube page

 

From Russia Today online via You Tube:

 

Also today, Amnesty International sent out the following:

Thirty years of repression is spilling out onto the streets of Egypt in the forms of tear-gas, blood and bitter demonstrations. For four days, Egyptian protestors have suffered at the hands of President Mubarak’s security forces.

At least 14 protestors have been killed and scores more have been injured. The crackdown on freedoms is intensifying as authorities have cut all Internet and phone communications.

There’s no telling how long the violence will continue or how many people will suffer in the end.

The number one request we’re hearing from our fellow Egyptian activists is to have their voices heard at various Egyptian embassies and consulates.

We intend to do all we can to make that happen, but Egyptian authorities are making it very difficult. Our emails are not getting through and it will take far too long for our letters to reach anyone who can make a difference.

That is why we’re asking you to place an urgent call to the Egyptian embassy (202) 895-5400 and dial “1” to speak to a real person about the State of Emergency in Egypt.

Ask the person who answers the call to pass on this important message – and don’t take “no” for an answer: “Please urge the Egyptian government to respect human rights, rein in the security forces, and restore access to all communications in Egypt.”

Help us make the Egyptian embassy’s phone ring off the hook! Then tell us how your call went.

Three decades of living under the harsh and oppressive State of Emergency is unacceptable.

The people of Egypt deserve to have their voices heard and to organize peacefully. They deserve human rights.