Egypt celebrates first anniversary of January 25 revolution

One year on, and the Egyptian revolution has a long way to go Cairo – Akram Ali Protesters spent the night in Tahrir square in tents on Monday hours ahead of the first anniversary of the January 25 revolution which toppled Mubarak’s regime, in preparation of the historic event and to discuss plans to secure the Square in case clashes occur.
They stressed the need to clear the square of thugs and street vendors, to avoid possible conflict. In addition, they removed all celebration banners, noting that the “revolution is not yet complete.”
Protesters in Tahrir announced ground rules to commit to, starting from today and until Wednesday, January 25. They included maintaining the peacefulness of the revolution, and not setting platforms for any coalitions, parties, or individuals in the square, as there would be only one platform for all protesters, in addition to not hanging any banners belonging to any coalition or party.
They also agreed on not  allowing any weapons inside the square, not speaking “inappropriately” or rudely, and maintaining the cleanliness of the square.
Tents set up by demonstrators in the middle of the square were  increased in preparation of a sit-in and commemoration of the January revolution, while some tents were black in remembrance of the revolution martyrs.
Traffic in the square ran smoothly, while people gathered in circles  at roadsides while loudspeakers were hung on lampposts.
In the same context, the Salafist Front announced in a statement on Monday evening its official participation in all “revolutionary activities” to be held on January 25, stressing their willingness to coordinate with “free and national political and revolutionary parties” to achieve the goals of the revolution.
Their statement, copied to ‘Arabstoday’, stressed the Salafist Front's rejection of any destructive acts, such as setting buildings on fire or clashes with security forces. Furthermore, they said they would stand against anyone attempting to incite clashes.
The January 25 Revolution is a peaceful one, added the statement – and they emphasised that it needs to remain so. The group called the upcoming demonstrations the "third wave of the revolution," and said they would participate in order to keep the peace.
They also called for an end to media propaganda tainting the image of revolutionaries.
Other demands included the dismantling of the state security apparatus, now working under the name "National Security," and putting an end to the emergency law, which grants authorities overarching powers. Egypt's political prisoners abroad were asked to be released, including Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman detained in a US prison and others detained in Saudi prisons. Another key demand is for the prompt trial of Mubarak and former regime figures.
Egypt's Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim Youssef earlier announced that a comprehensive security plan was set to secure the first anniversary of the revolution, stressing that there would be no police or military forces inside Tahrir Square.
During a meeting held with senior police officers, Ibrahim reportedly said that police and military forces would limit their role on January 25 in order to secure only the important state facilities, and public and private property.
He also warned against wearing military or police uniforms illegally, fearing that some may try to “exploit” the rallies in order to incite unrest or chaos.
At the meeting, the minister reviewed plans and security strategies prepared by the Ministry of Interior to safeguard the celebrations, which will take place on the anniversary of the January 25 Revolution.
He also appealed to all political forces and parties to participate in the celebrations, and prevent any infiltrators from exploiting the gatherings
Head of the Egyptian Ambulance Organisation Mahmoud Sultan announced that an emergency plan was set in preparation for January 25, which included 83 ambulance cars, of which 47 are to be located around Tahrir Square and 20 in Abbasiya Square in case of clashes.
The plan also included setting nine mobile clinics, of which six will be in Tahrir and three in Abbasiya, in addition to providing all necessary medical aids.