This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011 [1].
[2]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 [3]: Pro Mubarak groups are attacking the tiered protesters in Alexandria and some might go towards Tahrir square , be vigilant
@helkomy [4]: #Port Said #Alexandria #Tahrir all sent in at the same time – the people have stood firm
@TheDayEgyptLive [5]: 10.57 pm – Mubarak loyalists are reported to be attacking protesters in Tahrir Square.
@SarahZaaimi [6]: Counter-protesters on motorcycles at Tahrir: “With our blood and our souls, we will defend Hosni Mubarak.” #jan25
@ShawkattRaghib [7]: Thugs to redeploy in #Cairo, #Alexandria, #Mahalla, #PosrtSaid just after his speech. #Egypt #Tahrir #Jan25 #1M #Feb1
@nancyelattar [8]: Crowds have not budged in #tahrir sq but pro-mubarak protesters are provoking other protesters by honking and yelling chants. #egypt #jan25
@hindhassan [9]: 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 [10] (Ar):
@asa_wire [11]: 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 [12]: Those organized thug groups trying to drag protesters around Egypt into violence. This regime & its players are demons #Egypt #Jan25 #Tahrir
@Hafsa_Khawaja [13]: – #Mubarak the mongrel, SHAME ON YOU for ordering whats happening in #PortSaid and #Alexandria right now! You thug! #Egypt
@egyptuprising [14]: 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 [1].