Egyptians commemorate first anniversary of 25 January Revolution

Thousands of Egyptians from all political trends gathered in Tahrir Square in Cairo on Wednesday on the first anniversary of the 25 January Revolution which ousted Hosni Mubarak. The chants of the huge crowd reflected the demands of the revolution.

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More than 10,000 young members of the Muslim Brotherhood secured the entrances and exits to the square from Tuesday evening; security officers checked the identity papers of those seeking to take part in the remembrance event.

Slogans such as “The time of glory is back, Egypt” were in evidence on banners around Tahrir Square, along with a large banner with pictures of the revolutionary martyrs. A number of people raised the old Royal Egyptian flag alongside the current version. Chants included demands for the ruling military council to step down and hand over power to a civilian administration.

Some people argued with a group of Muslim Brotherhood supporters, accusing the Islamists of abandoning the revolution. A picture of former Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Mahdi Akef taken in 2006 was on display beside his quote from that time that he supported Mubarak and wished to engage in a dialogue with him. This led to clashes in the square before Muslim Brotherhood supporters and leaders intervened to calm everyone down.

“We need to learn and understand the ethics of disagreement and dialogue,” said one Brotherhood activist.