Scores of protesters flocked to Tahrir Square Friday to participate in a protest against military rule they are calling the “Friday of Departure.” Eyewitnesses estimated the number of protesters in Tahrir mid-day at around 500. On Wednesday, 60 political parties and movements announced their intention to participate in the demonstration, to demand the country's military government fulfill the objectives of the 25 January revolution and speed up the timetable for the transfer of power to an elected president. Amr Ezz, a member of 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition, told Al-Masry Al-Youm Wednesday that the protesters reject conducting presidential elections and drafting a new constitution under the rule of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. The 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition, Union of Revolutionary Youth, April 6 Youth Movement, National Association for Change, Kefaya, Free Egyptians Party and Egyptian Communist Party are among the groups who have announced their participation. Last week, the SCAF announced 10 March as the opening date for presidential nominations. Observers believe the move was an attempt to mitigate ongoing political tensions in the country. Revolutionary groups have criticized the decision as meaningless and protested that it will not shorten the transitional period, which the council has promised to conclude by the end of June. After the conclusion of Friday prayers, marches from various squares are Cairo are expected to converge on the SCAF headquarters in Abbasseya as part of the demonstrations. A 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition spokesperson said Wednesday that participants plan to end the protest by the end of the day. The streets surrounding the Interior Ministry have witnessed a lull in clashes since last week, when protesters and police forces clashed on Mohamed Mahmoud, Noubar and Mansour streets. The protesters were angry with security forces for allowing over 70 people to be killed in violence in Port Said Stadium last Wednesday.
