The fall of Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak sent waves of joy, jubilation and relief through Sydney's Egyptian community, who celebrated their country's newfound freedom outside Town Hall on February 12.
Amnesty International hosted the celebrations. Socialist Alliance members, and members of other left groups, were also present as part of their ongoing campaign of solidarity with the Egyptian people.
Chants of “Down, down Mubarak” from previous solidarity rallies were replaced with choruses of “Freedom for Muslims, Christians, Jews! Freedom for everyone!"
Those present felt it was a historic day for Egypt and a momentous day for the cause of freedom around the world.
There were also celebrations in Melbourne the same day. The event was organised by Amnesty International and Egyptian Solidarity Group-Melbourne. As in Sydney, the event was organised as a protest. However, after the announcement that Mubarak had stepped down overnight (Australian time) the rally turned into a victory celebration with sweets being distributed.
Mohamad Elmasri, representing Egyptian Solidarity Group-Melbourne, paid tribute to the youthful revolution. ACTU president Ged Kearney paid tribute to the role of the workers’ movement in Egypt, which played a critical role in the protests.
More photos of the Sydney rally are on
Below: Slideshow of photos of the February 12 celebration of Mubarak's toppling in Sydney Town Hall Square. Photos by Peter Boyle.