Tens of thousands of Egyptians began gathering in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo on Friday for the eleventh day of protests calling for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. Mubarak has ruled Egypt for 30 years.
Large groups of protesters were seen walking down Qasr El-Nil bridge, which connects downtown Cairo to the neighborhoods of Dokki and Zamalek. The bridge is also an entry point for those coming from Giza governorate.
An estimated 30,000 protesters spent the night in Tahrir Square despite the spread of armed "thugs." The thugs are widely believed to be connected to the ruling National Democratic Party.
Egypt's new Prime Mininster Ahmed Shafiq vowed on Thursday to protect protesters. Vice President Omar Suleiman and Interior Minister Mahmoud Wagdy, both newly-appointed, made similar vows.
A number of US officials said Thursday that the Egyptian government is responsible for the protection of protesters, after clashes between pro- and anti-Mubarak groups resulted in the death of at least 13 with a further 900 injured.
Protesters have called the eleventh day of protests the "Friday of Departure," hoping that Mubarak will respond to pressure and leave the country.
It is widely believed that a large number of Egyptians opposed to Mubarak's rule will participate, and that the protests will reach their peak after Friday prayers, during which millions will be praying in mosques.
On Thursday, opposition forces staunchly refused to hold dialogue about political and constituational reforms with Suleiman. Opposition forces insisted that Mubarak must step down before any dialogue could take place.
