Millions of Egyptians have gathered for prayers for what has been called as a "victory march" through Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the overthrow of former president Hosni Mubarak a week ago.
The groups that sparked the 18-day revolt that led to Mubarak's downfall are calling the day the "Friday of Victory and Continuation,'' a name that reflects both their pride in forcing a change in national leadership and their worries about the future.
They planned to flood the centre of Cairo wearing white, while Mubarak supporters said they would march in black to "apologize" for his ousting and honor his achievements.
The army military council, which took power in the country after Mubarak’s ouster, has since come under pressure to hand over power to a civilian government, carry out political reforms and lift emergency regulations that have been enforced for the past thirty years.
Many pro-democracy protesters remain in detention. Amnesty International has called on the military to "intervene to end torture and other abuse of detainees, which have been taking place in military custody."
The groups that sparked the 18-day revolt that led to Mubarak's downfall are calling the day the "Friday of Victory and Continuation,'' a name that reflects both their pride in forcing a change in national leadership and their worries about the future.
They planned to flood the centre of Cairo wearing white, while Mubarak supporters said they would march in black to "apologize" for his ousting and honor his achievements.
The army military council, which took power in the country after Mubarak’s ouster, has since come under pressure to hand over power to a civilian government, carry out political reforms and lift emergency regulations that have been enforced for the past thirty years.
Many pro-democracy protesters remain in detention. Amnesty International has called on the military to "intervene to end torture and other abuse of detainees, which have been taking place in military custody."
Influential Muslim cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi called on Arab leaders to listen to their people and acknowledge the region has changed, in a Friday sermon held in the Egyptian capital's Tahrir Square.
"The world has changed, the world has progressed, and the Arab world has changed within," said Yusuf al-Qaradawi. "Don't obstruct the people," Qaradawi said, addressing his message to the Arab world's leaders. "Don't try to lead them on with empty talk. Conduct a real dialogue with them."
Life has not returned to normal in Egypt, with banks and schools still closed and the public sector staff on strike. Workers have been protesting against low wages and poor working conditions.
Employees have also expressed outrage at corruption and abuse of power by the cronies of Mubarak and have pressed the public prosecutor to take strict measures against them.
On Thursday, four top officials, including three ministers, were arrested on allegations of money-laundering and abuse of office.
"The world has changed, the world has progressed, and the Arab world has changed within," said Yusuf al-Qaradawi. "Don't obstruct the people," Qaradawi said, addressing his message to the Arab world's leaders. "Don't try to lead them on with empty talk. Conduct a real dialogue with them."
Life has not returned to normal in Egypt, with banks and schools still closed and the public sector staff on strike. Workers have been protesting against low wages and poor working conditions.
Employees have also expressed outrage at corruption and abuse of power by the cronies of Mubarak and have pressed the public prosecutor to take strict measures against them.
On Thursday, four top officials, including three ministers, were arrested on allegations of money-laundering and abuse of office.
Source: Agencies
Uprooted Palestinian
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