Giant "march of a million" protest to kick off in Egypt
Protesters in the Egyptian capital have begun gathering for a planned "march of a million", calling for Hosni Mubarak, the embattled Egyptian president, to step down.
Thousands of demonstrators began gathering from early on Tuesday morning in Cairo's Tahrir Square, which has been the focal point of protests in the capital and served as the meeting area for the march to begin on the eighth day of an uprising that has so far claimed more than 125 lives. Another million-strong march is planned in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, as national train services were cancelled in an apparent bid to stymie protests. Protest organisers have also called for the march to coincide with the beginning of an indefinite strike. Reporting from Cairo, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported that the number of people gathered in Tahrir Square on Tuesday morning, was larger than had been seen before.
"The numbers are certainly larger than we've seen over the last couple of days. A lot of people I've spoken to have said they will be attending, despite reports that there is the possibility that it could turn violent," she said. "The mood and atmosphere is incredible. People are thronging to the square in their hundreds."
Soldiers at Tahrir Square have formed a human chain around protesters, and are checking people as they enter for weapons. Tanks have been positioned near the square, and officers have been checking identity papers.
"You certainly get the feeling that the organisers will get the numbers that they want. The word is out there, despite the fact that the internet is still down ... that people need to attend this march of a million," our correspondent said. "Possibly the only people who won't be attending today, obviously presidential supporters, ... Egyptians living in Cairo who have left to places like Sharm al-Shaikh where they're looking for some sort of safety, and those who will be remaining in their homes to protect them from looters. "But all groups, young, old, rich, poor, Christians, Muslims they are all heading [to Tahrir Square]."
Al Jazeera: Live Stream
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