Security has been beefed up in central Cairo in preparation for the “Day of Anger” called for by the Egyptian opposition and activists, which coincides with national Police Day.
Security cordoned off all streets leading to the Ministry of Interior headquarters, Abdeen Palace, and parliament, forcing drivers to change route. This has considerably slowed traffic in downtown Cairo.
Even though no protesters have been seen so far, large numbers of central security officers are present in Tahrir Square, Bab al-Louq, Abdeen and Qasr al-Aini. A considerable number of central security trucks, armored vehicles, fire engines and ambulances have also been deployed.
A reporter from Al-Masry Al-Youm said he saw a group of approximately 100 young men protesting in Dar al-Salam in southern Cairo. They were chanting, "Every honest Egyptian wants freedom and bread."
Interior Minister Habib al-Adly warned that security will handle violations strictly to protect citizens as well as public and private property.
More than 90,000 people have said they will participate in a march called for by a Facebook group named "We are All Khaled Saeed." Today, they said, will be a day of revolt against torture, poverty, corruption and unemployment.
The Facebook group calls for a higher minimum wage of LE1200, the introduction of unemployment allowances, the abolition of the Emergency Law, the dismissal of the Interior Minister, the release of all untried detainees, the dissolution of parliament, new parliamentary elections, and the amendment of the Constitution to limit the number of presidential terms to two.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
