CAIRO: The number of demonstrators in Cairo's now-iconic Tahrir Square decreased notably on Saturday. Some, however, remain in the square as part of a nearly two-week-long sit-in to pressure Egypt's interim government to increase the pace of reform. Some protesters marched around the square on Saturday, calling for unification among demonstrators and to rally among a single aim: retribution for the martyrs of the January 25 Revolution. Over 800 people died during the 18-day uprising that led to the resignation of Egypt's 30-year president, Hosni Mubarak, on Feb. 11. In nearby Talaat Harb Street, a civilian checkpoint arrested two thugs carrying knives. The two are currently under investigation by officers who were protesting in the square. Egyptian citizens were happy that the demonstrators allowed the Mugamma, an important government building housing various ministries as well as passport and visa services, to open today. Protesters last week forcibly closed the building as a form of civil disobedience. Dr. Malik El-Assal, volunteer doctor at the field hospital in Tahrir, said the hospital receives donations daily from citizens in the form medicine, painkillers and first aid supplied. He added that the hospital received a large supply of painkillers and first-aid medicines last night. Under normal circumstances, such a supply would last for three to four days, he said, but if there are clashes it is only sufficient for 24 hours. Most of the cases received by the field hospital are heat-induced blackouts or heat stroke, he said.
