NOVANEWS
The Egyptian Revolution of 2011, locally known as the January 25 Revolution (Arabic: ثورة 25 يناير; Thawret 25 yanāyir), was a movement following a popular uprising which began on 25 January 2011. It consisted of demonstrations, marches, plaza occupations, riots, non-violent civil resistance, acts of civil disobedience and strikes. Millions of protesters from a range of socio-economic and religious backgrounds demanded the overthrow of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The revolution included Islamic, liberal, anti-capitalist, nationalist and feminist elements. Violent clashes between security forces and protesters resulted in at least 846 people killed and over 6,000 injured. Protesters burned over 90 police stations.[24] The protests, which took place in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities, followed the Tunisian revolution which resulted in the overthrow of longtime Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
The Egyptian protesters’ grievances focused on legal and political issues, including police brutality, state-of-emergency laws, lack of free elections and freedom of speech, corruption, and economic issues including high unemployment, food-price inflation and low wages.
The protesters’ primary demands were the end of the Mubarak regime and emergency law, freedom, justice, a responsive non-military government and a voice in managing Egypt’s resources. Strikes by labour unions added to the pressure on government officials.
During the uprising the capital, Cairo, was described as “a war zone” and the port city of Suez saw frequent violent clashes. Protesters defied a government-imposed curfew, which was unenforced by the police and military. Egypt’s Central Security Forces police, loyal to Mubarak, was gradually replaced by military troops. In the chaos, there was looting by gangs which was instigated (according to opposition sources) by plainclothes police officers. In response, watch groups were organized by civilians to protect neighbourhoods.
International reaction has varied, with most Western nations condoning peaceful protests but concerned about the stability of Egypt and the region. The Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions have influenced demonstrations in other Arab countries, including Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria and Libya.
Mubarak dissolved his government, appointing former head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate Omar Suleiman vice-president in an attempt to quell dissent. Mubarak asked aviation minister and former chief of Egypt’s air force Ahmed Shafik to form a new government. Mohamed ElBaradei became a major opposition figure, with all major opposition groups supporting his role as negotiator for a transitional unity government. In response to mounting pressure, Mubarak announced he did not intend to seek re-election in September.
On 11 February 2011 Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that Mubarak would resign as president, turning power over to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). The military junta, headed by effective head of state Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, announced on 13 February that the constitution would be suspended, both houses of parliament dissolved and the military would rule for six months (until elections could be held). The previous cabinet, including Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik, would serve as a caretaker government until a new one was formed. Shafik resigned on 3 March, a day before major protests to force him to step down were planned, and was replaced by former transport minister Essam Sharaf. On 24 May Mubarak was ordered to stand trial on charges of premeditated murder of peaceful protesters and, if convicted, could face the death penalty.
On 2 June 2012 Mubarak was found guilty of complicity in the murder of protesters and sentenced to life imprisonment, but the sentence was overturned on appeal and a retrial ordered.
A number of protesters, upset that others tried with Mubarak (including his two sons) were acquitted, took to the streets. On 19 June, protesters angry with what they considered an SCAF coup (many belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood) demonstrated in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. On 24 June the State Election Commission announced that Islamist Mohamed Morsi had won the election, and six days later he was inaugurated as the fifth president of Egypt. On 3 July 2013 Morsi was deposed by a coup d’état led by the minister of defense, General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, after opposition protests on 30 June.
Video by: Rawan Damen
