Complete coverage on

Tahrir Square

Stripped of clothes, sexually assaulted, a young journalist manages to escape Tahrir Square. CNN's Dan Rivers reports.

Latest Stories

Protests erupt as runoff set for Egypt's presidential electionupdated: Mon May 28 2012 22:27:00

New protests erupted in Egypt's capital after news that ousted strongman Hosni Mubarak's former premier will face off against a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood in the country's presidential runoff.

Egypt's revolution: 'We fell in love, but it was a trick'updated: Wed May 23 2012 07:36:00

A leather-faced Egyptian fruit seller said it best: "The revolution was like a beautiful woman. She charmed us, and we fell in love with her and killed the tyrant to marry her, but she was just a trick -- another burden to add to our heavy load, and we are falling out of love."

Egyptian court acquits doctor accused of virginity testsupdated: Sun Mar 11 2012 08:32:00

An Egyptian court has acquitted an army doctor accused of forcibly administering virginity tests on female detainees, state-run Nile TV said Sunday.

Egyptian court bans 'virginity tests'updated: Sun Mar 11 2012 08:32:00

Egyptian courts ban virginity testing, while the army admits to conducting the tests. CNN's Ralitsa Vassileva reports.

Egypt's elections can't be trustedupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 15:48:00

"The people and the army are one hand," the chant of Egypt's January 25th revolution on the eve of President Hosni Mubarak's resignation, has yielded in the face of toxic gases, rubber bullets and live ammunition from the security forces, composed of army and police, to "the army and the police are one dirty hand."

Egyptians head to polls for second dayupdated: Fri Feb 03 2012 15:48:00

The Muslim Brotherhood is expected to win the most seats in Egypt's parliamentary elections.

Egyptian court rules against virginity testsupdated: Tue Dec 27 2011 14:06:00

An Egyptian administrative court issued an order Tuesday banning virginity tests for female detainees, months after several women alleged they were subjected to such examinations following a March protest in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Crowds mass in Cairo's Tahrir Square in protest of armyupdated: Fri Dec 23 2011 13:26:00

Thousands gathered in the Egyptian capital on Friday in a mass demonstration against the country's armed forces and its heavy-handed treatment of protesters, which has since drawn international condemnation.

'Blue bra girl' rallies Egypt's women vs. oppressionupdated: Thu Dec 22 2011 13:44:00

The Egyptian revolution has a new, and shocking, image: It's the Egyptian flag, but the eagle in the middle has been replaced by a simple blue bra. The image refers to the recent, savage beating of an abaya-clad female protester by Egyptian military forces.

Women march to protest militaryupdated: Wed Dec 21 2011 14:12:00

"Million women march" is promised at Tahrir Square, to protest the beating of female protesters by the Egyptian military

Women march in Cairo to protest violence; military promises to listenupdated: Wed Dec 21 2011 14:12:00

Egypt's ruling military council Tuesday expressed "great regret" to Egyptian women over recent attacks on female demonstrators by military police and vowed to hold accountable those responsible.

Volunteer medics risk their lives to treat Tahrir injuredupdated: Wed Dec 21 2011 06:24:00

Egyptian doctor Amany Sadek was treating patients in a makeshift hospital close to Cairo's Tahrir Square on Monday when the building was surrounded by armed forces.

Cairo calm as voters await resultsupdated: Wed Nov 30 2011 12:21:00

Tahrir Square was peaceful Wednesday as Egyptians awaited initial results of parliamentary elections, a break from the clashes that have gripped Cairo for much of the past two weeks.

Tahrir Square battles wound dozens after Egypt votesupdated: Tue Nov 29 2011 19:07:00

Egyptians reveled in their chance to vote in a post-Hosni Mubarak era during a second day of parliamentary elections, but nightfall brought new clashes in Cairo's Tahrir Square that stretched into Wednesday.

Hope on Egypt's hair-raising road toward democracyupdated: Mon Nov 28 2011 06:09:00

Egypt is on the roller-coaster of transition. It's a bumpy and hair-raising ride to a destination unknown. But the country is moving. And in that, there's hope.

Egyptian officer suspected of being 'The Eye Hunter,' shooting protestersupdated: Sat Nov 26 2011 05:43:00

Egypt's general prosecutor on Friday ordered a police officer to submit to questioning regarding his suspected role in shooting protesters in the eyes during recent clashes in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Ganzouri to become Egypt's prime minister, military saysupdated: Fri Nov 25 2011 06:19:00

Several planned demonstrations in Egypt Friday could test whether the nation besieged by recent violent clashes can remain peaceful.

Military police try to halt Cairo skirmishesupdated: Wed Nov 23 2011 17:18:00

Military police poured into Cairo's Tahrir Square on Wednesday in hopes of stopping clashes between protesters and police, as the Egyptian government said a truce had been declared through a group of clerics.

Violence escalating in Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Nov 23 2011 11:19:00

Egypt's military accepts Cabinet resignations as clashes continue in Cairo. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.

Tear gas returns to Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Nov 23 2011 11:19:00

Dawn broke over central Cairo Tuesday, revealing thousands of demonstrators sleeping on the lawns, sidewalks and streets of Tahrir Square.

More violent clashes in Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Nov 23 2011 11:16:00

Journalist Ian Lee discusses the ongoing clashes between police and protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Fresh violence erupts in Cairo, hours after Cabinet submits resignationupdated: Mon Nov 21 2011 18:45:00

Fresh violence broke out in and around Cairo's Tahrir Square early Tuesday, hours after Egypt's Cabinet submitted its resignation to the nation's military-led government.

From Tahrir Square to Wall Streetupdated: Fri Nov 18 2011 10:23:00

CNN's Ben Wedeman reports on Cairo's Tahrir Square protests versus Occupy Wall Street protests in the U.S.

Massive demonstration in Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Nov 18 2011 10:23:00

Tens of thousands of Egyptians turned out in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday to protest plans for a constitution that would shield the military from public oversight.

Egyptian Coptics attacked, dozens slightly injured updated: Fri Nov 18 2011 00:49:00

Hundreds of Coptics marching in Cairo Thursday were attacked by unknown assailants.

Occupy Wall Street is no Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Nov 02 2011 10:19:00

Ever since disgruntled Americans declared themselves the 99% and occupied Wall Street, their protests have been compared to those in the squares of the Middle East and North Africa -- especially Cairo's Tahrir Square ? where pro-democracy demonstrations challenged decades of tyrannical power. The movements in New York and Cairo share some characteristics, but direct comparisons between them discredit Arabs' tremendous struggles and sacrifices and squeeze the Occupy movement into a framework that does not fit.

From Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Streetupdated: Wed Nov 02 2011 10:19:00

Fresh from covering widespread Middle East unrest, CNN's Ben Wedeman looks at more modest Occupy Wall Street protests.

'Bogeymen' of Egypt's revolution talk on filmupdated: Wed Sep 28 2011 07:15:00

A serving Egyptian police officer describes firing tear gas into crowds of protesters trying to reach Tahrir Square during the country's revolution in January.

Muslim festival brings rare joy for some this year, but not all cheerupdated: Tue Aug 30 2011 22:47:00

For Christians, the wild celebrations of Mardi Gras come before the solemnity of Lent, a last chance to celebrate before the abstinence marking the 40 days to Good Friday and Easter.

Tahrir protesters call for civil state, end to military ruleupdated: Fri Aug 12 2011 22:32:00

A few hundred protesters gathered Friday in Cairo's Tahrir Square, calling for a civil state and an end to military rule.

Egyptian bloggers try to make sense of UK riotsupdated: Tue Aug 09 2011 11:19:00

Fresh from their own revolution, Egyptian bloggers tried to make sense of the scenes of looting and burning buildings coming out of the United Kingdom Monday.

Military breaks up demonstration in Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Aug 05 2011 15:48:00

The Egyptian military broke up a demonstration Friday in Tahrir Square, encircling about 300 demonstrators who were protesting the military's clearing of the square a few days ago and chasing them out.

Witness:Security forces disperse protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Mon Aug 01 2011 09:48:00

Egyptian security forces moved into Cairo's Tahrir Square on Monday, dispersing the protesters gathered there and beating those who did not leave voluntarily, according to a witness with activists in the square.

Islamists hold massive protest in Egyptian squareupdated: Fri Jul 29 2011 17:42:00

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated Friday in Tahrir Square, where they called for the implementation of Islamic law in Egypt.

Tahrir Square musicians keep revolutionary spirit aliveupdated: Fri Jul 29 2011 04:39:00

The moment Egyptian musician Zakaria Ibrahim remembers best from the revolution is singing with his band El Tanbura, as they snaked their way through the million-strong crowd in Tahrir Square on the way to the stage.

Egypt's revolution at 6 months: 'We can't go back'updated: Tue Jul 26 2011 09:42:00

Six months after the improbable revolt that toppled one of the world's longest-serving rulers, protesters are once again camping in Cairo's Tahrir Square to demand speedy change.

Attacks increase Egypt's gas woesupdated: Tue Jul 26 2011 09:42:00

CNN's Frederik Pleitgen on how attacks on Egypt's gas supply threaten Israel's energy security.

Protesters, residents clash in Cairoupdated: Sat Jul 23 2011 20:55:00

Protesters and residents clashed in Cairo's Abbasiya neighborhood Saturday, leaving at least two dozen people with injuries serious enough to be taken to area hospitals, a health ministry official said.

In Tahrir Square, a tent city bloomsupdated: Wed Jul 13 2011 17:16:00

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters are making Cairo's Tahrir Square their home until all of their demands are met.

Thousands gather in Cairo's Tahrir Square for protestupdated: Fri Jul 08 2011 10:05:00

Tens of thousands of Egyptians, angered by their nation's slow progress toward reforms, converged in Cairo's iconic Tahrir Square on Friday to pressure the interim government to speed up the process.

Egypt's media tests new-found freedomupdated: Thu Jul 07 2011 06:34:00

While the world's eyes watched protesters in Tahrir Square in the run up to Egypt's revolution, state television -- based just down the road -- showed tranquil images of boats on the Nile.

Egypt's media revolutionupdated: Thu Jul 07 2011 06:34:00

Inside The Middle East explores the media revolution which has taken place in Egypt since the uprising in January.

Vendors, plainclothesmen attack Egyptian protestersupdated: Mon Jul 04 2011 10:49:00

Armed men and vendors attacked protesters in Tahrir Square on Sunday as clashes continued for hours, leaving many injured.

Rebuilding security in Egyptupdated: Mon Jul 04 2011 10:49:00

CNN's Diana Magnay reports on how the Egyptian police are trying to improve their tarnished image.

Egypt deploys army as protests rage in Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Jun 29 2011 11:54:00

Egypt sent hundreds of troops with armored vehicles onto the streets Wednesday to protect the Ministry of the Interior, the army taking over from the police, as anti-government protests raged.

For many in Egypt, revolution incompleteupdated: Mon Jun 27 2011 06:09:00

It's been more than four months since longtime Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak was forced out by his people in largely peaceful mass protests that lasted 18 days. The opposition activists who celebrated in the streets after Mubarak stepped down had hoped that tangible changes would follow soon after their Tahrir Square victory. It had not even taken three weeks to rid the country of an autocratic president who had ruled with an iron fist for three decades. Why, then, is it taking so long to achieve further progress?

For Egyptian online warrior, father's torture fueled activismupdated: Sat Jun 18 2011 06:58:00

Mona Seif is deep in a crowd of thousands, her cell phone camera held high overhead. She is streaming live video and pushing for a better shot of a protest in Tahrir Square, the spiritual heart of the Egyptian revolution. It is Friday in downtown Cairo, and people are shouting and screaming across the square, waving signs and chanting in unison.

Iraq frees 4 jailed protest organizersupdated: Wed Jun 08 2011 19:04:00

Four protest organizers who were detained at Baghdad's Tahrir Square on May 27 have been released, activists and members of human rights organizations told CNN.

'Virginity tests' and the abuse of Egypt's womenupdated: Wed Jun 01 2011 17:39:00

Back in March, Amnesty International began reporting that the Egyptian military had subjected 17 women protesters at a Tahrir Square demonstration to "virginity tests." The women told Amnesty that they had been handcuffed and beaten, stripped searched and photographed by male soldiers, then restrained by female soldiers while a man in a white coat performed a virginity check.

Egyptian general admits 'virginity checks' conducted on protestersupdated: Tue May 31 2011 13:29:00

A senior Egyptian general admits that "virginity checks" were performed on women arrested at a demonstration this spring, the first such admission after previous denials by military authorities.

In Tahrir Square, Egyptians show support for other Arabsupdated: Fri May 06 2011 12:48:00

Thousands of people streamed into Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday and chanted for unity across the Arab world, and a couple of hundred staged a pro-Osama bin Laden protest in front of the U.S. Embassy.

Egyptian artists inspired by revolutionupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 08:13:00

CNN's Neil Curry reports on Egyptian artists who have been given a new perspective on their world and their work.

Artists reflect Egypt's revolutionary spiritupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 08:13:00

Artists have been quick to reflect their experience of Egypt's revolution and its new political landscape in their work.

Egyptians in Tahrir angered by military crackdownupdated: Sat Apr 09 2011 15:55:00

Predawn gunfire and clashes from a violent military crackdown on protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday left Egyptians feeling shocked, confused and angered in the hours that followed.

Tahrir demos include militaryupdated: Sat Apr 09 2011 15:55:00

Army officers joined large demos at Tahrir Square Friday. Ivan Watson reports.

Angry crowds in Baghdad, Falluja protest conditions in Iraqupdated: Fri Apr 08 2011 21:43:00

Thousands of protesters in Baghdad on Friday marked the eighth anniversary of the symbolic fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, officials with Iraq's Interior Ministry said.

Protesters return to Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Apr 08 2011 21:15:00

Thousands protested against what they call the failures of Egypt's ruling military council CNN's Ivan Watson reports.

Army officers join Cairo protestupdated: Fri Apr 08 2011 21:15:00

Throngs of people crowded into Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday in an effort to inject new life into Egypt's revolution and push the country's ruling military council to prosecute the former president, Hosni Mubarak, who stepped down under immense popular pressure on February 11.

Protesters gather in Tahrir Square to pressure Egyptian militaryupdated: Fri Apr 08 2011 20:01:00

Thousands of demonstrators who gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square for a protest titled "Day of Justice and Cleansing" confronted two officers and sent them running late Friday, according to a witness.

Thousands demonstrate in Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Apr 01 2011 11:28:00

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Cairo's famous Tahrir Square on Friday, as part of an effort by liberal activists to revive their movement after a series of perceived political set-backs.

Egypt's revolutionaries say abusive treatment persistsupdated: Fri Mar 25 2011 09:41:00

"Where is the revolution going, the revolution that began in Tahrir Square?" asked a short brunette holding a microphone. "What happened to the revolution we created?"

Egyptian describes alleged tortureupdated: Fri Mar 18 2011 13:16:00

An Egyptian activist describes the brutal tactics allegedly used to silence protesters. (Graphic content)

Pro-democracy activists allege torture by Egyptian soldiersupdated: Fri Mar 18 2011 13:16:00

­A patchwork of blood-red welts and purple bruises cover Ramy Essam's back, from his neck down to his thighs. His scars are evidence, he said, that violent groups linked to ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's regime are trying to subvert the revolution.

Hillary Clinton visits Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Mar 16 2011 06:09:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says touring Cairo's Tahrir Square is "exciting and moving."

Arrests made in notorious Cairo horse and camel assaultupdated: Sat Mar 12 2011 10:48:00

Two men with political ties to Egypt's former leader were arrested on charges related to orchestrating an assault on protesters in Tahrir Square by attackers riding horses and camels.

Shots, clashes reported in Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Wed Mar 09 2011 18:41:00

Pro-democracy activists in Cairo's Tahrir Square endured waves of attacks by people armed with machetes, knives, Molotov cocktails and horsewhips, according to opposition forces and witnesses.

Women's march turns into shouting matchupdated: Tue Mar 08 2011 12:02:00

A pro-woman demonstration in Cairo, Egypt, quickly degenerated into shouting matches between opposing sides.

Egypt's Million Woman March fizzles into shouting matchesupdated: Tue Mar 08 2011 12:02:00

Several hundred people showed up for a pro-women demonstration in a major Cairo square on Tuesday -- including some men who chanted anti-feminist slogans.

Revolution signals new dawn for Egypt's womenupdated: Tue Mar 08 2011 04:26:00

A couple of days after the fall of Hosni Mubarak, 24-year-old Nawara Belal was driving in Cairo when she was verbally abused by an army officer.

Egypt's new prime minister addresses protesters at Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Mar 04 2011 08:49:00

Egypt's new prime minister, Essam Sharaf, appeared before thousands of protesters at Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday, telling them he was "of the people" and would resign if he failed in meeting their demands.

A new Arab world is coming, with or without U.S.updated: Mon Feb 28 2011 11:52:00

The young Arab women and men of Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen have proved that they are willing to die to build a better future. They yearn for freedom, opportunity and democracy. It is doubtful they will accept anything less.

Gadhafi control wanes outside Tripoliupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 11:52:00

CNN's Nic Robertson receives mixed messages on a government-escorted tour of a town outside Tripoli.

Protesters fill Cairo squareupdated: Fri Feb 25 2011 07:57:00

Several thousand people protested in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday to urge Egypt's new rulers to implement reforms.

Massive crowd packs Cairo's Tahrir Square for 'Day of Victory'updated: Fri Feb 18 2011 13:22:00

A sea of Egyptians from all walks of life packed every meter in and around Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday for a "Day of Victory," a rally to celebrate the one-week anniversary of the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt celebrates day of victoryupdated: Fri Feb 18 2011 13:22:00

One week after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians take to the streets of Cairo to celebrate.

Military moves to get Egyptians back to workupdated: Tue Feb 15 2011 05:42:00

The military sought Monday to persuade Egyptians to end the demonstrations and strikes that culminated last Friday in the resignation of the president, and urged their countrymen to get back to work.

Egypt's tumult, day-by-dayupdated: Mon Feb 14 2011 08:32:00

A day-by-day summary of significant events in Egypt's upheaval, as compiled by the CNN Wire:

Protesters: Mubarak's move not enoughupdated: Fri Feb 11 2011 10:16:00

The crowd in Tahrir Square chants, "Get Out," in response to Mubarak's move to transfer some power. Edit Instructions:

Mohamed ElBaradei: 'Egypt will explode'updated: Fri Feb 11 2011 10:16:00

Major Egyptian opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei warned of potential violent unrest after President Hosni Mubarak announced late Thursday he would not step down before September elections.

Crowd in Cairo's Tahrir Square outraged after Mubarak doesn't resignupdated: Thu Feb 10 2011 19:59:00

Thousands of people waved Egyptian flags and roared, "Get out! Get out!" in Cairo's Tahrir Square as President Hosni Mubarak said late Thursday he was delegating power to his vice president and made no mention of stepping down.

Protesters mobilize in Tahrir Squareupdated: Thu Feb 10 2011 10:07:00

Frederik Pleitgen reports from Cairo with the latest on the violence and injuries.

'You have a voice in this country,' emerging protest figure saysupdated: Wed Feb 09 2011 02:42:00

Galvanized by the emotional words of a freed Google executive, thousands of Egyptians jammed Cairo's Tahrir Square on Tuesday, some for the first time, dismissing the embattled regime's pledges of constitutional reforms.

Third week of protests begins in Cairoupdated: Tue Feb 08 2011 05:47:00

Egypt's revolt entered its third week Tuesday as anti-government protesters formed a human chain in Cairo's Tahrir Square, vowing not to budge until President Hosni Mubarak and those around him are forced from office.

Crisis in Egypt: Day 13updated: Sun Feb 06 2011 21:55:00

Anti-government protesters took to the streets for the 13th day as the Egyptian government showed signs of cracking.

Egyptian army, demonstrators stand off in Tahrir Squareupdated: Sat Feb 05 2011 20:36:00

Opposition activists formed a human chain outside one of the entrances to Tahrir Square on Saturday afternoon to prevent two Egyptian military tanks from crossing through barricades into what has effectively become an anti-Mubarak enclave in the heart of the Egyptian capital.

Tens of thousands demand change in Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Feb 04 2011 21:45:00

Egypt's burgeoning reform movement drew tens of thousands of people, undeterred by deadly clashes and government crackdowns, to Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday for a mass rally with a single message for the president: "Leave."

Egypt's 'day of departure'updated: Fri Feb 04 2011 15:22:00

Crowds of anti-government protesters continue to gather in Cairo in an effort to oust President Hosni Mubarak.

Pro- and anti-regime gangs clash in streets off Cairo's Tahrir Squareupdated: Fri Feb 04 2011 15:22:00

What a difference a few city blocks can make. Crowds of thousands upon thousands of Egyptians demonstrated peacefully Friday, filling most of Cairo's sprawling and once besieged Tahrir Square. They played music on loud speakers, danced and chanted "down with the dictator" in a rally dubbed "Day of Departure."

Cairo's epicenter of violenceupdated: Fri Feb 04 2011 06:29:00

CNN's Arwa Damon takes a look at the recent rise of violence in Cairo, Egypt.

The bloody price of Mubarak 'stability'updated: Fri Feb 04 2011 06:29:00

The events of Wednesday offer a brutal example of President Hosni Mubarak's disastrous security-driven policy. For nine days, pro-democracy demonstrators had taken to the streets asking for nothing less than a complete change of the regime.

Across dusty Egypt, anxiety has filled the airupdated: Fri Feb 04 2011 05:49:00

The streets are calm in the far-off western Egyptian town of Siwa, but one resident says the social unease gripping the country's capital can be felt just the same.

Mass protests planned for Friday as Mubarak holds onupdated: Thu Feb 03 2011 22:48:00

One week ago, angry, disenfranchised and energized Egyptians emerged from Friday prayers, took to the streets and chanted, "Freedom!"

Egyptian prime minister addresses crisisupdated: Thu Feb 03 2011 22:48:00

Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq says "no one will be excluded from dialogue" between government and opponents.

Molotovs leave Tahrir Square ablazeupdated: Thu Feb 03 2011 11:33:00

CNN's Ivan Watson is holed up inside Tahrir Square as protesters hurl Molotov cocktails at each other.

Who are the pro-Mubarak demonstrators?updated: Thu Feb 03 2011 09:34:00

For more than a week, opponents of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak had the upper hand in Cairo, protesting with near impunity in the face of police and an army that did little to stop them.

New gunfire erupts in central Cairoupdated: Thu Feb 03 2011 01:02:00

Heavy gunfire reverberated in central Cairo before dawn Thursday as supporters and foes of embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak continued to face off at Tahrir Square, where chunks of concretes and Molotov cocktails were employed as weapons in the escalating crisis.

Day of violence in Egyptupdated: Wed Feb 02 2011 12:31:00

A collection of highlights as Mubarak supporters and anti-government protesters clash in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

We recommend

From around the web