CAIRO: Hundreds of protesters marched from Mostafa Mahmoud Mosque carrying symbolic coffins covered with Egyptian flags to mourn the martyrs of Mohamed Mahmoud Street, where five days of violence left more than 40 dead.
After Friday prayers, the march made its way to Tahrir Square where thousands gathered on what was dubbed “Friday of the Heroes of Mohamed Mahmoud."
Many protesters covered one eye with a patch in solidarity with those whose eyes were targeted by security forces in the clashes.
The march was joined by the victims’ families, carrying posters of their lost loved one.
“He was hit with six bullets. I told him not to go to Tahrir but he insisted,” said Ezzat Abdel Wahed’s wife, “He said he was only helping doctors [at field hospitals] care for the injured — but then he died.”
Security forces battled with protesters from Nov. 19-24, using batons, excessive amounts of teargas and birdshot in attempts to clear the iconic square. Over 40 protesters were killed and more than 2,000 injured in the clashes that spread to different cities across Egypt. The Ministry of Health said it found live bullets in several bodies.
Most of the fatalities were on Mohamed Mahmoud Street, which leads directly into Tahrir Square and which has been renamed Martyrs Street by protesters.
The march went through the square and towards Mohamed Mahmoud Street, where a wall was built by army forces at the site of the frontline of the November battle.
About 100 people made their way past the wall but a human chain stood between demonstrators and army soldiers. Chants against the ruling military council and its head, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, resounded, as protesters demanded an end to military rule and the swift transition to civilian rule.
“We are on Mohamed Mahmoud Street because we believe the people who died here deserve a memorial. We mean no harm,” said Islam Noureldin, one of the first protesters who made their way to the wall.
“Martyr, martyr, we will get your rights,” chanted thousands in Tahrir.
Some protesters urged others to go back to the square to avoid any clashes with security forces. “Enough with those who died, go back to the square,” dozens shouted.
According to media reports, 23 political parties and movements had called for this Friday protest in Tahrir to demand that those responsible for killing protesters be tried.
“Why did these people die? What did they do? They aren’t thugs,” said Hend Awad, who joined the march.
According to a flyer, condolences were to be accepted 1-4 pm, followed by a march in the square with the symbolic coffins until 6 pm. Later, a memorial service was set to take place until 7 pm, where victims’ families would speak.
On Thursday, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) issued a statement promising to prosecute those responsible for killing protesters after the public prosecution’s investigations.
However, protesters chanted vehemently against military rule. “Tantawi is the one who killed the revolutionaries,” chanted protesters marching from Mostafa Mahmoud.
“There must be a civilian government,” said one protester.
The march grew in number as it headed to the square, as more people joined and others cheered on from balconies.
But sentiment on the street was not all positive. “They have nothing to do in their life but protest,” said an angry passerby.
A 60-years-old woman who observed as the march passed through Tahrir Street began crying and said that it is becoming difficult to know who’s right and who’s wrong.
“I feel sorry for my country, it’s going nowhere,” she said.
Gaber Mohamed and Ibrahim Ramadan, two porters in a building on Batal Ahmed Abdel Aziz Street, said they support anti-SCAF protesters but cannot join the demonstration.
“I am from Aswan and I work here — my boss is a businessman who would fire me if I ever leave my post to join these people. But I am also fed up with the unemployment and poverty we have been living in,” said Gaber Mohamed.
Demonstrators carry mock coffins in memory of fellow protesters who were killed during deadly clashes with security forces as they take part in a rally at Tahrir Square in Cairo on Dec. 2. (AFP Photo / Odd Andersen)
