Freedom for the Detainees:The Masses Have the Right to Protest

Statement by the Revolutionary Socialists

The significance of the demonstrations that have recently taken place in various Egyptian governorates cannot be gauged merely by their size or geographic spread, nor by the nature of the calls that preceded them or the identities of those who initiated them.

The true importance of these demonstrations can only be understood within the context in which they arose. The protests that emerged in several governorates were not significant compared to the massive demonstrations Egypt has witnessed in the recent past. However, they were substantial given the preceding suppression of all forms of protest and expression, the tightening of the security grip on all manifestations of political and social activity, and the closing off of any space for independent media or political opposition, including even the right to run in elections. The government has pursued and imprisoned anyone attempting to oppose its authority in any form.

The current regime, which has outstripped all its predecessors in terms of repression and authoritarianism, believed it had secured itself against any form of public dissent by silencing all opposing voices. It managed to implement economic policies—such as raising metro and transportation fares, increasing the prices of electricity, gas, and water, railway fares, and reducing the weight of bread loaves—each of which, in a different context, could have sparked widespread popular unrest. However, these measures were imposed quietly, thanks to the pervasive presence of security forces throughout Egypt. The recent demonstrations have challenged this belief, proving that protests can still occur, even without supportive media, political parties, unions, or any formal organization.

The security context in which these demonstrations occurred amplifies their significance far beyond their apparent size. The economic and social context in which these protests took place makes them a more accurate barometer than any analytical report for understanding the true sentiments of the Egyptian people. The calm with which the regime’s measures and policies were enacted never indicated that public anger was not simmering. The protests against rising prices and increasing impoverishment did not erupt solely because of the unprecedented security clampdown and the media dominance that fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation against any form of mass movement.

While it may be difficult to ascertain the exact scale and spread of the recent demonstrations due to the media blackout, there is no doubt that the level of public anger far exceeds the visible protests. These demonstrations will not be the last mass movements as long as the current regime continues to enforce policies of impoverishment and oppression.

The Revolutionary Socialists Movement reaffirms its solidarity with all mass protests against the regime’s policies of impoverishment and oppression. It also asserts the absolute right of the masses to express their grievances through protest. The Movement rejects the regime’s policies of security crackdowns, repression, and arrests used against demonstrators. It demands the release of all detainees and the accountability of those responsible for the victims of protest repression.