Protests in Sohag, Friday (Photo: Ahram)
Hundreds of protesters of both Islamist and non-Islamist inclinations staged demonstrations following Friday noon prayers in Sohag's centrally-located Culture Square to demand that figures associated with the former regime be barred from holding top political posts and from contesting next month's presidential elections.
Protesters called for "saving the revolution" and for the speedy transfer of executive power to a civilian administration.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters of both Islamist and liberal leanings staged a similar demonstration in Ismailiya's Mamar Square. Protesters chanted "Down, down with military rule," "No to felul" (in reference to members of the former regime) and "The revolution continues."
Protesters' demands included: abrogation of Article 28 of the constitutional declaration (issued in March of last year by the ruling military council and approved via popular referendum); the handover of power to a civilian authority by 30 June at the latest; and the formation of a constituent assembly – mandated with drafting a new constitution – representative of all segments of Egyptian society.
The protest in Ismailiya concluded following Asr (midday) prayers.
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