Anti-military protesters begin open-ended strike in Cairo

Jan 26, 2012, 8:53 GMT

Cairo - Egyptian activist groups on Thursday launched an open-ended strike in Cairo to pressure the country's military rulers to expedite the transfer of power to an elected civilian administration.

Dozens of activists gathered in central Tahrir Square to voice their demands as part of the strike, a day after thousands rallied at the site to mark the first anniversary of the popular revolt that forced long-standing president Hosny Mubarak to step down.

Mahmoud Afifi, a spokesman for the April 6 protest group, said his movement would continue a sit-in at major squares across the country until 'the demands made by Egyptians' on Wednesday were met.

Activists have been calling for former officials in the Mubarak regime, charged with killing more than 800 peaceful protesters during the uprising against Mubarak, to be brought to justice without delay.

The opposition is sharply critical of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, ruling Egypt since Mubarak stepped down on February 11, saying it has been blocking reforms and blaming it for the killing around 90 protesters over the last year.