The editor-in-chief of the newspaper was prevented from entering the premises by his own staff. A similar incident occurred with Al-Ahram newspaper, which is also state owned. Both papers have since made significant shifts in their coverage in the opposite direction.
There has also been widespread criticism of the Egyptian Ministry of Information, describing it as an anachronism. Protesters have scoffed at Mubarak’s statement before he stepped down that he would allow freedom of expression.
The Egyptian media appear to have changed their tone, projecting a theme of “cleaning-up” in their ranks that correlates with the literal cleaning up of Tahrir Square by students and others — a symbolic gesture of the attitude the protest movement has in mind for reforming its country. Transparency, scrutiny and honesty are surfacing as major themes, and the media has become the first target for dissection and reform.
Meanwhile, the Cairo police have gone on strike, demanding better pay and benefits. They have also asked for transportation and better treatment from superiors. A large number of policemen gathered around the roundabout near Al-Jalaa Bridge chanting, “The police and public are one nation.”
They were also asking how they are supposed to contribute to justice when they are not experiencing it themselves in their own jobs. Cairo policemen were apparently joined by police from other parts of Egypt.
As the police gathered, a large number of civilians, including men and women, confronted the striking officers about their dubious role in the uprising and their habit of taking bribes and terrorizing citizens.
Some policemen responded by blaming their superiors. Policemen also complained they were not getting medical treatment. One officer pointed out that he lives on 200 Egyptian pounds a month (US$35).
An elderly person told them he too was living on a measly salary, yet he has never taken bribes. One woman scoffed at the notion the police and the people were on the same side. Another man interjected by saying that the army and not the police were the real protectors of the people. Despite the heated exchanges between the people and the striking officers, there was no violence.
