Egyptians’ Struggle did Availeth, but at a Cost

A new order rises in Egypt today. The joyful cries from the crowd at Tahir Square are resounding, and being echoed, around the world. A movement born of the masses reaches its desired goal. What a historic day; what a victory!

Hopefully, as things have been for the past three decades in Mubarak-ruled Egypt, so they shall not remain. Hopefully, the military will keep its promise to work towards a peaceful transfer of power, and Egyptians will make a successful transition to democracy.

But as we celebrate, let’s keep in mind that such victories don’t come without costs.

Human Rights Watch estimates that over 300 people have been killed in this 18-day struggle. The figure is based on unofficial information obtained by HRW from doctors at two hospitals in Cairo, two in Alexandria, and one in Suez and by the International Federation for Human Rights, which visited a further three hospitals in Cairo. The toll could be higher. For hundreds of Egyptian families who have lost loved ones to the cause, today is a day of both joy and pain. Many of them are now considering legal action against their kin’s killers. Click here for a growing list of lives lost.

Photo by Flicker user Desmond Leo

Tags: Alexandria, Cairo, Desmond Leo, Egypt, Human Rights Watch, International Federation for Human Rights, Suez, Tahir Square

Maureen Nandini Mitra is managing editor of Earth Island Journal. She generally writes about human rights, environment and sustainable development issues but is equally at home writing about food and ...read more