In the recent days, Egyptian activists have been circulating an anonymously written pamphlet titled" How to Protest Intelligently: Important Information and Tactics." The authors ask not to post the manual on Facebook or Twitter, which are monitored by the security forces, but to distribute it by e-mail or copy it and distribute by hand.
Following are details and excerpts:
The pamphlet, a tactical guide for individuals and small groups who wish to take part in the protests, is written in simple language and in secular (rather than Islamic) terms. The authors see themselves as representing "the Egyptian people" and identify the enemy as the Mubarak regime and the security forces. The general message is that the revolution must be carried out by peaceful means, through civil resistance and non-violent protest. The manual provides instructions for organizing protests and choosing their location, and on holding demonstrations and responding to various actions by the security forces. The text is accompanied by illustrations, satellite images (downloaded from Google Earth) and diagrams.
Diagram explaining how to hold a march: small groups start in different locations and converge
The guide opens with a list of the Egyptian people's demands, as the authors see them, and of the tactical goals of the protests:
"The demands of the people of Egypt are:
1. "An end to the regime of Mubarak and his ministers.
2. "The abolishment of the Emergency Law.
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3. "Freedom.
4. "Justice.
5. "The establishment of a new, non-military government that will make [the wellbeing of] the Egyptian people its top priority.
6. "Proper administration of the Egyptian resources.
"The tactical goals of the civil disobedience [actions] are:
1. "Taking control of major government buildings.
2. "Enlisting policemen and soldiers to the ranks of the people.
3. "Protecting our revolutionary brothers and sisters."
This is followed by practical advice, starting with how to organize and hold a demonstration, and how to enlist the public's support. The manual also lists strategic targets that can be taken over by protesters, such as the television and radio buildings, the presidential palace, and major police stations in Cairo.
Image showing how to converge on TV building in Cairo
There is a list of clothing and equipment that protesters need, including gloves and goggles to protect from inhaling tear gas, a garbage can lid to use as a shield against clubs, and a can of spray paint, which can be used for painting police car windows and even as a weapon against the policemen themselves.
Diagram explaining how to thwart police's attempt to halt a march
Finally, the authors suggest tactics for holding marches and resisting attempts to disperse them. For instance, demonstrators should march in rows, and if the security forces try to stop them, the front rows should retreat, while the demonstrators in the back advance with shields and paint cans to confront the police. The authors urge the protesters to protect each other, to stand their ground, and to remain as organized and peaceful as possible, and advise them to use signs and slogans with a positive message, such as "long live Egypt."
How to confront the riot police
To view a copy of the protest manual, click here.
