One million demonstrators at Tahrir Square, Cairo

One million demonstrators in Cairo

Before the loud speakers announced the call for prayers on this Friday, Tahrir square was already bursting with people, pouring in from all directions. Bottlenecks formed in some places as the military checked IDs and bags. There were tanks and armored vehicles at the 12 entrances to the sprawling square. People streamed in while an army band played "Egypt the Great".
The crowd sang along, waving Egyptian flags, and chanting: "The army and the people are united."

The economy may be suffering from the lack of tourists, but the sales of flags, hats, ribbons and paint is probably at an all time high. The Egyptian people continue to show their might on Tahrir square as they parade with posters and flower bouquets for the 365 martyrs of the revolution and pictures of political prisoners tortured during Mubarak's 30 year rule.

The former ruling party official, former housing, tourism and interior ministers have been arrested on charges of corruption. Complaints about police abuse, under the ministry of Interior, is among the top grievances of demonstrators. These officials are being held until prosecutors conduct investigations.

I can hear the Friday prayers being delivered by Youssef Sheikh Qaradawi at Tahrir Square as I write, arousing cheers as he says: "the illegitimate can never defeat the truth." His sermon is being broadcast on Al Jazeera television for all Arab nations. The atmosphere is relaxed and jubilant as Egyptians proudly posed for pictures and welcomed me into their Liberation (Tahrir) Square.