Thousands of Egyptians have taken to the streets to demand justice for victims of Hosni Mubarak’s regime and press the new military rulers for a clear plan of transition to democracy.
There is growing frustration among Egyptians that little has changed five months after the 18-day uprising forced the former president to step down on February 11th.
Riots and protests have been escalating over what many see as the reluctance of the military rulers, who took over after Mr Mubarak, to prosecute police and former regime officials for the killing of nearly 900 protesters during the uprising.
Many believe that although Mr Mubarak and some much-hated figures under him are no longer in power, the pillars of his regime are still in place, including such key institutions as the judiciary, the police and civil service.
Earlier this week, seven policemen in the city of Suez were freed on bail during their trial for the killing of the protesters.
Their release set off two days of rioting by angry families who accused the judiciary of corruption. Other former regime officials were acquitted of corruption charges, also raising anger.
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most organised political group, and ultra-conservative Salafis decided at the last minute to join the protests today.
In Cairo, thousands converged ahead of Friday prayers on the capital’s landmark Tahrir square, the epicentre of the uprising, for the rally dubbed 'Friday of Accountability'.
Protesters also gathered at main squares in Suez and Alexandria, the two coastal cities which have also witnessed violent clashes between security forces and protesters during the uprising.
In scenes reminiscent of the 18-day uprising, civilian checkpoints were erected around Tahrir to prevent thugs from mixing in with demonstrators and potentially causing violence since there were no police or military in the area.
In an attempt to defuse the Egyptians’ anger, a prosecutor yesterday charged 25 Mubarak-era officials with manslaughter, attempted murder and assault for their part in organising a February attack on anti-regime protesters in which attackers on horses and camels charged into the crowds.
After Mr Mubarak stepped down, the military rulers promised they would work to hold elections within six months and hand over power to a civilian government. So far, no election date has been announced.
AP