Protesters gathered in Tala’at Harb Square on Friday afternoon calling for several demands including calls for the release of the revolution’s detainees.
Among the protesters was Abul E’la Salah Abul E’la who was detained twice. “I was arrested on 9 March 2011 and I was released on 21 May. Then I was arrested again during the events of the Egyptian Scientific Institute, but it was not long before I was released.” The events of the Egyptian Scientific Institute involved violent clashes in December 2011.
“But were beaten during the arrest and stepped on,” he added. He is very concerned for the people still behind bars.
Fatma El-Sherif explained why Tala’at Harb square was chosen rather than Tahrir Square. “Nowadays, when we go to Tahrir Square, clashes erupt with some vendors located there. Tala’at Harb square is the best place for us to gather in….This is the safest place.” El Sherif does not belong to any political group or organisation. She has taken part in the protest calling for the release of detainees including army officers who have come to be known as “8 April officers.”
About 20 officers participated in a million man protest in Tahrir Square on 8 April 2011 demanding the arrest of ex-regime figures and the fair trials of anyone responsible for the blood of protesters in 2011 uprising and fair trials of anyone responsible for the detention or torture of protesters.
A movement called the “8 April officers supporters” made calls for this protest. Their demands included an end of military trials, fair trails of those who responsible for the death of protesters and an end to corruption.
Among the chants were chants against the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) like, “Sell the revolution, Badie,” Badie is the Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood and “Say that the MB are allies of the former regime.”
Noora El-Zayad, who took part in the protests said that she is participating because she refuses the safe exit of SCAF leaders and wants to see them tried. “Many groups have called for this protest through Facebook events, not just one group,” she added.
While this protest was held in Tala’at Harb, another protest was taking place on Kasr El Nil Bridge. The protesters formed a human chain, holding metal chains along the length of the bridge in support of the detained as well and for more transparency regarding the number of those detained during the revolution. The current numbers of those in military prisons are only estimates at this stage. This protest was called for by a campaign called “Release.” The event was called for in solidarity with those oppressed by the military.
The protesters in Tala’at Harb Square were set to go join the human chains by, El Sherif said.
