Tahrir Square Sit-in Cleared by Military
Hundreds of military and Central Security Forces personnel evicted today the remaining protesters from Cairo’s Tahrir Square, which has been occupied for nearly a month. The sweep comes two days before the trials begin for former President Hosni Mubarak, his two sons, and former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly. Mubarak and al-Adly are charged with the killings of an estimated 840 protesters during the January uprising. Mubarak’s sons face corruption charges.
Protesters and journalists in the square tell of soldiers and plain clothed Egyptians arresting members of the sit-in as well as chasing away people with cell phones or cameras. Some bystanders cheered on the police action. Al-Masry Al-Youm provides a detailed report.
I’ve been reminded not to make predictions about Egypt. Not heading this advice, I anticipated last weekend that Tahrir would be cleared. The most visible symbol of public opposition to the slow pace of reforms and of continued military rule is now gone.
Some photos of the eviction can be seen here, here, here, and here.
Videos can be found here.
