Dozens of Egyptians took to the streets in Cairo on Friday to demand a timetable which ensures a rapid transfer of power to civilians.
The protesters gathered in Tahrir Square, downtown Cairo, in response to calls by several parties, movements, and political forces to take to the streets. Although the number of protesters was smaller than those hoped for by some groups, the possibility remained the crowd would grow as the day progressed.
The protest was dubbed "Thank You, Go Back to Your Barracks."
The protesters demanded a specific timetable for the transfer of power to a civilian authority, an end the State of Emergency, military tribunals for civilians, activation of the Treachery Law, and purging state institutions of Mubarak regime remnants.
Many parties and political movements have called for the protest, including the National Assembly for Change and the Supreme Body of the Revolution Youth, which include 20 youth movements, coalitions and political parties.
Some political parties opposed the protest, including the Freedom and Justice Party and Jama'a al-Islamiya.
Despite the protests, the traffic in the square was normal, and some protesters volunteered to direct traffic in light of the fact police officers and armed forces were absent from the square.
Demonstrators raised banners stating their demands. Examples included, "We won’t compromise martyrs’ blood" and "People want to cancel the Emergency Law."
One banner read, "The ousted regime’s press challenges the revolution," and included the images of eight newspaper and national magazine editors.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
