CAIRO - Thousands of protesters to stage a mass demonstration in Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the 18-day protest which toppled Hosni Mubarak, under the slogan ‘Correcting the Path'. The purpose of the protest is to pressurise the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) into fulfilling the revolution's remaining demands and putting an end to the military trials of civilians. Many political powers will be taking part in the planned mass demonstration; there will also be demonstrations in other governorates, where people have many things to complain about and many demands for things they want. A timetable from the SCAF for handing over power to a civilian administration is deemed the primary demand for most of the demonstrators, while putting an end to the trying of civilians in military courts and amending a new law on parliamentary elections are the other main demands. "We promise the protest will continue to be peaceful. All protesters are urged to avoid causing chaos or sabotage. Nor should they permit any saboteurs to infiltrate their ranks," read a statement from the Revolution's Youth Union (RYU), which is organising the protest. It added that the revolution was peaceful and it will stay so. The RYU have called on the Army to prevent the Military Police and black-clad riot police from entering Tahrir Square Friday. "We have the right to protest. We ask for police to give us the chance," the statement said. The Interior Ministry issued a statement saying it would evacuate Tahrir of the police deployed there ahead of today's protest. "Protesters are urged to show responsibility and prevent any rioting. However, the police will continue to guard police establishments," read the statement by the Interior Ministry. It pointed out that the decision to evacuate Tahrir Square of policemen was issued out of a belief in the right to free expression. The Muslim Brotherhood, the Salafists and Al-Wafd liberal party are boycotting the protest, which has been called for by liberal and secularist parties, movements and groups. The SCAF issued a statement late on Wednesday warning it would "deal firmly with any attempt to create disturbances". It cautioned in particular against "any attack on military units, personnel or vital facilities". SACF Chairman Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi tried to reassure activists about the military's intentions in a speech. He pledged to "organise parliamentary and presidential elections in a completely transparent and impartial manner". "In the current circumstances it is vital that everyone defend the stability of our country," he added. The Coalition of Revolutionary Youth has urged its supporters to "avoid any actions that could spark chaos" and to be wary of "infiltration by elements seeking to stir up trouble".
