Protests in Egypt
| 09:25 UK time, Wednesday, 26 January 2011
This topic was discussed on World Have Your Say on 26 January 2011. Listen to the programme.
Thousands of people were out on the streets of Cairo on Tuesday protesting against the Egyptian government. Protests also took place in Suez, where two protestors are reported to have died, and in other cities around the country.
Many of the protestors said they had been inspired by the uprising in Tunisia, where President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced from power earlier this month .
Social media is being used to spread information about what is happening. The Egyptian authorities have now blocked Twitter but images of the protests and messages of support are still being spread.
This blogger talks about a growing street campaign in Cairo to support the protestors.
A spontaneous street campaign has also arisen around Tahrir Square, with verified reports surfacing of residents unlocking their WiFi signals so users can get around mobile phone outages and of restaurant owners giving the protesters free food and water.
Here are a few comments about the protests:
Telecomix tweets Yesterday we were all Tunisian; today we're all Egyptian. Tomorrow we will all be free.
Amine in Algeria writes on the 'We are all Khaled Said' Facebook page
We're watching Egypt here in Algeria too !!! It's very important for us. If Egypt's system changes, all the arabic world will live a new area. Our hearts and minds are with you.
Stephen in Ghana posts on our Facebook page
This is the only language African leaders will have to learn to understand and will come to understand, they have ruled too much with an iron fist.
In its latest statement the Egyptian Interior Ministry has said:
No provocative moves, or protest gatherings, or marches or demonstrations will be allowed, legal measures will be taken against anyone (in contravention), and they will be transferred to the prosecution.
But according to the Egyptian blogger @Sandmonkey, who i spoke to on Wednesday morning, protests have been planned for later on Wednesday.
Sandmonkey RT @ManarMohsen: There will be a march from Medan El Sa3a, Nasr City, to Medan El Tahrir starting at 12:00PM. #Jan25 #Egypt
Writing in The Guardian, Simon Tisdall says these protests are different from those in 2005 and 2008.
There is no revolution in Egypt, yet. But, hypothetically, if Mubarak were to fall, the consequences would be incalculable - for Israel and the peace process, for the ascending power of Iran, for US influence across the Middle East, and for the future rise and spread of militant, anti-western Islam. And not least, for 80 million Egyptians.
What do you think of what is happening in Egypt? Does it worry you? Do you support the protestors? Is this the right way to bring about change? Post your thoughts and comments here.
