Egypt uprising solidarity protest Melbourne 4 Feb 2011

Estimates of up to two million pro democracy protesters gathering in Tahrir Square in Cairo Egypt in a "Day of Departure" protest demanding Hosni Mubarak step down from office immediately. Millions more gathered in cities and towns around Egypt. In Melbourne, a smaller number, about 500 people, gathered outside the State Library where protesters heard from a number of speakers including Kevin Bracken, President of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Greens MP Colleen Hartland, and speakers from the muslim and egyptian communities.

Photos: Takver | Youtube video: Departure Day protest in Melbourne

Kevin Bracken read out a motion of support passed by the Victorian Trades Hall Council on Thursday night: "This meeting of the Victorian Trades Hall Council supports the Egyptian people in their struggle to fight for a government that supports the needs and aspirations of the them." said Bracken. (Youtube video)

In between the speeches were vocal and enthusiastic chants for Mubarak to go. Like in Tahrir Square the mood of the Melbourne protest was uncompromising: Mubarak has to step down. The protest was attended by egyptian expatriates, the muslim community, various socialists groups and a range of community activists.

A minute of silence was called to commemmorate those killed in the violence by the thugs the regime has sent in to attack the peaceful demonstration in Tahrir Square.

A direct phone hookup was made with a protestor in Tahrir Square who spoke to the crowd in both Arabic and English.

The protest then marched down to Federation Square where they were joined by people attending a Wikileaks forum. On the way down Swanston the threatening rain finally unleashed a heavy torrential downpour scattering the tail of the demonstration onto the footpath under the awnings.