In what is being dubbed as a “second revolution”, Egyptian activists are planning to stage a huge rally on Friday, targeting the military rulers for being slow on implementing the democratic transition process, even as signs of a rift appear in the protest movement.
Protesters are terming the rally, to be held in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square, as “second revolution” and a “Friday of Rage”.
The Supreme Council of Armed Forces, who took over the reins of power from the ousted President Hosni Mubarak and is responsible for reforms, are conducting slow trials of former security figures in the Mubarak regime, the activists claimed.
Muslim Brotherhood, one of the most organised political forces in Egypt, and the conservative Salafis, have announced their non-participation in the rally, while the Church and liberals will take part in the protest.
Cancellation of military courts for civilians, putting Mubarak and other corrupt figures on trial for treason, placing a minimum and maximum wage for the public sector and return of police to function under judicial supervision, are some of the demands made by the protesters.
The achievements of the Egyptian revolution in the past three-and-a-half months have not been satisfactory, they said.
During the past week, the Army has been issuing warnings of possible violence during protests.
The Army had earlier said it will act as a spectator protecting critical establishments, while the demonstrations are to be protected by the activists themselves.
Currently under the military leadership, Egypt is in a transitional phase ever since a mass uprising overthrew the three-decade old authoritarian regime of Hosni Mubarak in February.
83-year-old Mubarak and his two sons have been ordered to stand trial in a criminal court for killing protesters during the January mass uprising, which led to his ouster, and allegations of corruption.
Earlier in the month, Egypt’s once feared former interior minister, Habib al-Adly, was sentenced to 12 years in jail for corruption, in the first trial of a minister from the Mubarak regime.
