Thousands more join Tahrir sit-in after Egypt PM speech fails to satisfy demands

Thousands more join Tahrir sit-in after Egypt PM speech fails to satisfy demands

2011-07-11 04:00:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO (BNO NEWS) -- Egyptian protesters have vowed to continue their sit-in in Cairo's Tahrir Square after a disappointing speech by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, Ahram Online reported on Sunday.

The number of protesters in the Tahrir Square sit-in continued to increase after Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's speech given Saturday night failed to satisfy protesters. In the speech, Sharaf ordered the suspension of all security officials accused of killing protesters during demonstrations.

"Sharaf's speech did not say anything new and shows that no demands will be met," said Heba, an independent sit-in participant. "His speech sounded like one of these tricks of the old government. He did not even give a timeline for his promise of suspending police officers accused [of killing protesters]. It is unacceptable that police officers accused of murder are still left on duty."

Demonstrators took shifts securing the main entrances and searching passersby to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the square. Some protesters are worried about attempts to attack the square and disperse the sit-in.

The protesters have set terms that if met would end the sit-in. Among their demands are the immediate release of all civilians who have been sentenced by military courts and their retrial before civilian courts. They are also asking for the prosecution of those implicated in the killing of protesters during the January 25 Revolution.

At a press conference in Tahrir Square on Sunday, Kamal Abu Eita, the spokesman of the Independent Federation of Trade Unions, read a statement from the federation demanding a new Egyptian budget with fair minimum wages. The protesters also announced that they have decided to cancel a hunger strike and are instead calling for a million man march to the Egyptian Cabinet Tuesday evening.

According to Amnesty International, at least 840 people were killed and over 6,000 people were injured in the violent repression that took place during the January uprising.

Ousted President Hosni Mubarak, who ruled Egypt in a 30-year-long regime, stepped down after the uprising. Mubarak will stand trial for corruption and murder charges on August 3, along his sons, Alaa and Gamal, and businessman Hussein Salem.

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