Egyptians stage 'Victory March'

Updated on: 19 February,2011 07:43 AM IST |
Agencies |

Millions of exuberant Egyptians held a 'Victory March' yesterday to celebrate the end of Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule and an influential preacher called on the army to form a new government and free political prisoners.

Sheikh Yousef al-Qaradawi, a Qatar-based preacher and one of the first to back the revolution, said fear had been lifted from Egyptians by the 18-day revolution and he was confident the Higher Military Council would not betray the nation.

Millions gather at Tahrir Square chanting 'Rejoice mothers of the martyrs, your sons have rebuilt Egypt'.

Life in Egypt is still far from normal a week after the popular uprising focused on Cairo's Tahrir (Liberation) Square, with tanks on the streets, banks closed, workers on strike, schools shut and protests against the government.

Hundreds of thousands joined rallies across Egypt, and said they would guard the newly-won prospect of democracy.

The sermon was broadcast to the nation on television. "This is a serious message to the military," said Mohamed el-Said, gesturing to the colourful sea of people from all walks of life around him.

Hero barred

Google executive Wael Ghonim, who emerged as a leading voice in Egypt's uprising, was barred from the stage in Tahrir Square yesterday. Ghonim tried to take the stage but men who appeared to be guarding Qaradawi barred him from doing so.