General
Source: BYKYAMASR
Days of calm were ripped apart on Wednesday in Egypt as the government of President Hosni Mubarak sent in plain clothed “thugs” to throw stones and attack peaceful demonstrators calling for his removal from power. The violence comes after United States President Barack Obama called for a peaceful transition of power in the country amidst 9 days of nationwide protests.
Now, men, women and children are caught in the violence across the country. In Cairo’s central Tahrir Square, pro-government supporters – allegedly paid by the state to start violence – have cordoned off the main square, forcing everyone present in the area to remain there. Dozens of injuries have been reported and Egyptians are scared at the current situation.
One protester, speaking via phone to Al Jazeera showed their terror at the situation, crying on air as she told of the massive violence against people. “It is a constant flow of injured,” said on correspondent.
Gunfire is also being reported as the situation continues to spiral out of control on the streets of Egypt. People in the square don’t know what to do, don’t know where to go as violence encircles them.
“We are stuck. It is scary. I see at least two or three young kids here and they are crying. It is a horrific situation that shows how wrong the Mubarak government is. We need this to stop. Where is the army?” said Manal, 34, via telephone to Bikya Masr.
Another eyewitness told Bikya Masr that “the media need to stop talking about clashes and start telling the world that these government people attacked us. Tell the truth so governments can tell Mubarak to go away and stop killing his people. This is a crime against his people.”
The last few days of peaceful demonstrations and calm have been shattered. The question now is what happens next.