A number of political and youth movements have called on Egyptian citizens to take part in a Thursday vigil to commemorate what has become known as the 'Battle of the Camel.' Protesters were killed during the skirmish, which took place on 2 February, 2011, after thugs and supporters of the defunct National Democratic Party attacked them. The assailants wielded bladed weapons while riding horses and a camel.
A statement by the “Federation of Revolutionary Groups Official page” on Facebook said: "A year after these events, nothing has changed, Egyptians are still demanding freedom, social justice, human dignity and a better life for everyone."
The statement added that "Egyptians are still suffering from a ruling power worse than that of Mubarak, which resorts to killing, torture, taking off clothes, dragging, persecution, suppressing freedoms, hushing voices, kidnapping activists, creating sedition and terror among the citizens, questioning revolutionaries’ intentions and moving further away from the revolution’s goals."
Another Facebook page, entitled the "Second Revolution of Anger," invited citizens to attend the “Liars” screening in Tahrir Square to view documentaries on 2 February “to confirm the negative role played on this day by the armed forces, especially its failure to intervene in order to protect the protesters.”
Meanwhile, the Tagammu Party called for a protest in Talaat Harb Square at 4:30 pm to commemorate the anniversary. During the protest, photos, comics and screenings will be displayed, after which protesters will march to the Egyptian Museum at 5 pm. Protesters will then march to Tahrir Square and return to Talaat Harb for a candlelight vigil in memory of the martyrs.
Cairo Criminal Court is currently overseeing the trial of prominent Mubarak-era figures involved in the attacks.
Among those on trial is Safwat al-Sherif, former secretary general of the now-dissolved National Democratic Party (NDP); Fathi Sorour, former parliamentary speaker; and businessman Ibrahim Kamel.
According to investigators, Sherif directed pro-Mubarak marches to clash with anti-regime protesters during the 25 January revolution.
Prosecutors allege that Sherif contacted former NDP MPs to request that protesters be dispersed by force, even if this meant they would be killed.
Former Minister of Manpower Aisha Abdel Hady, former MP Mortada Mansour, and former MP Mohamed Abul Einein are also accused of involvement. They were present at the first trial session.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
