CAIRO - Egypt's political powers performed the Eid el-Fitr prayers, as well as other key officials, along with the Egyptian masses in Tahrir Square, the iconic venue of the uprising which toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak. The Muslim Brotherhood, the best organised political group in the Egyptian street, said Egyptians should show the world that things in Egypt are different in the post-Mubarak era. "Egypt is starting as of this Eid a new era of freedom, development and dignity. Let's show the world how Egyptians are united against internal and external enemies of the revolution," said Saad el-Katatni, Secretary-General of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party. Performing the Eid prayers in open areas is common in Egypt, and such events are usually arranged by religious groups. The Free Front for Peaceful Change (FFPC) has called for Tantawi and Sharaf to pray in Tahrir, where "the revolution was initiated". "We hope this Eid reunifies Egyptians, as happened during the 18-day protests. All political powers should set aside their differences on this day and consider the interests of their country," the FFPC said in a statement. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians performed first Eid el-Fitr prayers in Tahrir Square for the first time since Mubarak's ousting. "Sure I, my family and friends attend the prayers in Tahrir. I have a new spirit this time after breathing freedom," said Mohamed Ali, a 19-year-old student. Muslims celebrate Eid el-Fitr at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The first day of the Feast starts with mass prayers, then the worshippers shake hands and wish each other a happy Eid. Meanwhile, Internet users have launched various cyber campaigns to warn against sexual harassment and give advice to women in the run-up to the Eid. Among the campaigns is the one launched by the HarassMap website, ‘Eid in Egypt is safe everywhere', which aims to raise social awareness with the help of young people, who will be out on the streets during the holiday. HarassMap has also launched its campaign on Facebook.
