Wael Ghonim, the Google executive who has become a rallying symbol for protestors, addressed a crowd in Cairo Tuesday evening. Mr. Ghonim administered a Facebook page that helped spark the uprising but fell into the hands of state security Jan. 28. He was released Monday night.
Here’s what he said from the stage Tuesday:
“I don’t feel guilty for the martyrs who died. I don’t feel guilty for the officers who died. Those who should feel guilty are those who are looting this country.
“I apologize to every father and mother and every person who lost his life for his country. For 12 days, I’ve been isolated. I saw the people who died. These are the heroes, and you are the heroes.”
The crowd started chanting, “One hand, one hand,” with Mr. Ghonim leading the crowd.
“I’m not a hero,” he said. “I was just typing on my keyboard. You are the heroes.
“I haven’t slept for three days. I’m tired.”
Chants began again: “Long live Egypt. Long live Egypt.”
“For a long time, I’ve been saying we have a voice that should be heard,” Mr. Ghonim said. “We have a right that should be taken seriously. We will take that right, even if we die as martyrs. Your demands are my demands. For the president to step down is our demand from now on.
“There are two messages I want to give. I don’t feel guilty for those who died. The second message: This is not a time to settle scores for personal gains, and it’s not a time for parties or ideologies. It’s time to say one thing: Egypt above all.
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