Egypt: Thugs Unleashed to Terrorise Protesters
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
Egyptians guarding their property from looters and thugs. By Mohamed Elmaymony © Copyright Demotix (30/1/2011)
Government-paid thugs have been unleashed on protesters across Egypt, in a bid to scare them and let them break their protests, which have been on going for eight days.
Millions marched across different towns and cities to demand the end president Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. The biggest gathering was in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in Cairo, where up to 3 million people gathered.
Just before midnight, Mubarak addressed Egyptians, telling them that he would not run for the Presidential elections in November. Too little, too late, said protesters as they vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
And just after his speech, the small groups of thugs sprung into action, terrorising the peaceful protesters. On Twitter, netizens from around the world, shook their heads in horror:
@darbashis: Pro Mubarak groups are attacking the tiered protesters in Alexandria and some might go towards Tahrir square , be vigilant
@helkomy: #Port Said #Alexandria #Tahrir all sent in at the same time – the people have stood firm
@TheDayEgyptLive: 10.57 pm – Mubarak loyalists are reported to be attacking protesters in Tahrir Square.
@SarahZaaimi: Counter-protesters on motorcycles at Tahrir: “With our blood and our souls, we will defend Hosni Mubarak.” #jan25
@ShawkattRaghib: Thugs to redeploy in #Cairo, #Alexandria, #Mahalla, #PosrtSaid just after his speech. #Egypt #Tahrir #Jan25 #1M #Feb1
@nancyelattar: Crowds have not budged in #tahrir sq but pro-mubarak protesters are provoking other protesters by honking and yelling chants. #egypt #jan25
@hindhassan: Pro Mubarak protesters are, in comparison to anti-govt, a handful. AJE presenter: anti govt protesters in Tahrir Sq nt going anywhere #Jan25
Saudi Essam Al Zamil adds (Ar):
@asa_wire: This is a high-risk strategy by Mubarak. Such thug attacks on the protests could cause army to rebel to defend the people. #egypt #jan25
@dinaelhusseiny: Those organized thug groups trying to drag protesters around Egypt into violence. This regime & its players are demons #Egypt #Jan25 #Tahrir
@Hafsa_Khawaja: – #Mubarak the mongrel, SHAME ON YOU for ordering whats happening in #PortSaid and #Alexandria right now! You thug! #Egypt
@egyptuprising: I would prefere 2 be a bullet in mubarak's heart than 2 be a billioner of his gangs tahrir square
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
6 comments
Is it really the presidents fault I mean they let him rule for what 30yrs and they voted for him the people so when something goes wrong they want him gone really they say they want system like america but American system is like theirs Egypt can’t handle their system see what happens when you let the people get to much power
Are you serious? Do you know what a tyrant is? Do you know what a “coup d’état” is? Do you know what rigged elections are?
Do you think the populations ruled for decades, be it in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Yemen, even Albania, do you think they have TOO MUCH power?
Hold the faith Egyptians, you will win, face down the intimidation. We admire your courage Mubarak is ugly and cynical and God does not like ugly. The world is clear that the violence is created by thugs sent by mubarak. Hold fast, you are giving birth to a vision of a free nation and as any mother will tell you , giving birth is painful but once the baby is born the joy is unimaginable. The world is cheering you on, you are our collective personhood. WE LOVE YOU WITH GODS ON PERFECT LOVE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU EFFORTS.