Rally for Democracy and Human Rights in Egypt - TOMORROW -

Rally tomorrow in support of Egypt making a clean break from authoritarian rule and a swift transition to democracy. WHAT: Global Day of Action in Support of Peaceful Protesters in Egypt

WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 12:00-2:00 PM

WHERE: Outside the Egyptian Consulate in Chicago, 500 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611

CONTACT: Ernest Coverson, Amnesty International; 917-815-6453, ecoverson@aiusa.org Debra Erenberg, Amnesty International; 312-451-5549, derenberg@aiusa.org Yaser Tabbara, CAIR-Chicago Board Member; 312-718-3725, tabbara@zktlaw.com Gerald Hankerson, CAIR-Chicago Outreach Coordinator, 708-829-9069, ghankerson@cair.com

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The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today welcomed the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a "first step toward freedom" and said there must now be a clean break with authoritarian rule and a swift transition to an open and transparent civilian government.

CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator, Amina Sharif, said in a statement:

"We welcome the departure of President Mubarak as a first step toward freedom and democracy in Egypt. We urge our government to now support a swift transition to a civilian administration that operates in an open and transparent manner and is accountable to all segments of Egypt's diverse society.

"The peaceful protesters in Egypt defy common myths and stereotypes of Muslims. Their desire for democracy, freedom, and justice speak to the universality of these values"

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CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab has been in Cairo taking part in the pro-democracy rallies in Tahrir Square since the revolution first began. He has been hit by tear gas and witnessed attacks on peaceful protesters. Rehab was jubilant today after President Mubarak’s resignation:

“The biggest party in the world right now is in Cairo and every other city in Egypt. The people believe they paid a price for freedom and they earned it, and best of all it was done peacefully. Today, Egypt is an inspiration to the world,” said Rehab. “The bonus for me is that I was fortunate to be a small part of it."

Contact Ahmed Rehab at 011-2011-001-2589 Get updates from the ground on his blog: www.mindfulofdreams.com