Millions call for civilian rule in Egypt

Millions gather in Cairo's Libration square for Friday prayers and a demonstration on Feb. 18, 2011

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/165835.html

Millions of Egyptian demonstrators are holding a rally in the capital, Cairo, to demand the military hand over power to a civilian government.

Some three million participants in the massive rally have gathered at Cairo's Liberation Square, which has been the epicenter of the Egyptian Revolution. Thousands more were expected to join the rally after the Friday Prayers.

Also in Alexandria, large numbers of people are also celebrating the fall of Mubarak.

US-backed President Hosni Mubarak stepped down last Friday after ruling Egypt for three decades.

His resignation followed nearly three weeks of massive nationwide demonstrations against his regime.

After Mubarak's ouster, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces took over all his powers.

The military council has said it will allow the formation of a civilian government only after the September elections. But the Egyptians want the junta to immediately transfer power to a civilian government.

The families of those killed during the struggle for freedom are caught between happiness for their country, and grief over their lost ones, a Press TV correspondent reported from Cairo.

Official figures show at least 365 people have been killed and about 5,500 wounded in the Egyptian Revolution.

Activists have demanded the release of political prisoners, the lifting of a 30-year-old state of emergency and the disbandment of military court. They say demonstrations will continue until the army accepts the reforms.