Activists in Egypt call for ‘second revolution’

May 27, 2011

Activists in Egypt call for `second revolution'

Cairo, May 27, 2011

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.

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