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Tens of Thousands Defy Nighttime Curfew, Gather for More Protests in Egypt

VOA News January 30, 2011

Tens of thousands of protesters are defying a government-imposed nighttime curfew for a third night in Cairo, pressing their demand that Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak step down after nearly 30 years in office.

Fighter jets circled overhead as thousands of people gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square Sunday to pray for the more than 100 people killed during protest violence since Tuesday. Protesters also chanted "Get out! Get out!" in Arabic.

Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei, a former U.N. nuclear chief, was among the demonstrators Sunday. He told American news organizations, CNN and CBS, that he has been mandated by the Egyptian people and the opposition to agree on a national unity government.

He also said U.S. policy toward Egypt is "losing credibility" by calling for democracy while continuing to support the Egyptian president. He said Mr. Mubarak should leave Egypt "today."

There is a heavy military presence on the streets of Cairo, with tanks guarding banks, government buildings, and the Interior Ministry headquarters. In some cases, protesters have welcomed the army as protection from the violence of looters.

Gangs attacked at least four jails across Egypt early Sunday and overpowered guards to set free thousands of inmates. At least 34 members of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood were among those set free.

Violent demonstrations have rocked Cairo, Alexandria and other Egyptian cities since Tuesday.

Egyptian official media say Mr. Mubarak visited the military headquarters in charge of security operations Sunday.

On Saturday, Mr. Mubarak named intelligence chief Omar Suleiman as vice president - the first time the post has been filled in 30 years.

ElBaradei reacted to Mr. Mubarak's moves by saying new appointments were not enough. In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Nobel laureate said protesters want a regime change and an end to what he called a dictatorship.