Protests in Egypt

The 2011 Egyptian protests, also known popularly as the Days of Rage and the Lotus Revolution, are an ongoing series of street demonstrations, marches, rallies, acts of civil disobedience, riots, and violent clashes that began in Egypt on January 29, 2011.  The protests began with tens of thousands marching in Cairo and a string of other cities in Egypt. While localized protests had been common in previous years, the 2011 protests have been the largest demonstrations seen in Egypt since 1977, drawing participants from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and faiths.


Egyptian protesters have focused on legal and political issues including police brutality, state of emergency laws, lack of free elections and free speech, and corruption, as well as economic issues including high unemployment, food price inflation, and low minimum wages. The primary demand from protest organizers is the end of the Hosni Mubarak regime, and a new government that represents the interests of the Egyptian people, and respects rights of freedom and justice. In response to mounting pressure Mubarak announced he would not seek re-election in September.


At least 105 protester deaths had been reported, but some claim the number could be as high as 300.   The capital city of Cairo has been described as "a war zone," and the port city of Suez has been the scene of frequent violent clashes. The government imposed a curfew that protesters defied and that the police and military did not enforce. The presence of Egypt's Central Security police, loyal to Mubarak, has been gradually replaced by largely restrained military troops. In the absence of police, there has been looting, and in response civilians have self-organized watch groups to protect key sites.