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Egypt activists to go on strike Egypt strike fails to make impact
(about 1 hour later)
Opposition activists in Egypt are preparing for a strike in protest against rising food prices and the political situation in the country. There is heightened security in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, following a call by activists for a strike in protest against rising food prices.
Hundreds of people were detained following a similar protest last month. Extra police were also deployed in the Nile Delta town of Mahalla el-Kobra, which saw clashes last month between striking textile workers and police.
A coalition of groups and individuals has organised the general strike, largely through the social networking site Facebook. A BBC correspondent in Cairo, however, says there is little sign that people are observing the strike.
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition movement, has urged its members to support the protest. It was called to coincide with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak.
Another backer is Kefaya, a pro-democracy organisation. The BBC's Heba Saleh in Cairo says that apart from the large numbers of police deployed in major squares and intersections, life in the city appears normal, with heavy traffic and people going about their business.
Organisers have called on Egyptians to stay at home, but if they do go out to wear black as a symbol of mourning for the country's future. "It's normal right now, I don't see any change from an average day," a Cairo shopkeeper told AP news agency.
"It seems most people ignored the call," he added.
The government had warned that dissent would not be tolerated.
Soaring pricesSoaring prices
The BBC's Ian Pannell in Cairo says the strike reflects growing unease over rising food prices and the lack of meaningful political reform in the country. A coalition of groups and individuals called for a general strike, largely through the social networking site Facebook.
The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition movement, endorsed the strike and urged its members to support the protest.
Organisers had called on Egyptians to stay at home, and if they did have to go out, to wear black as a symbol of mourning for the country's future.
Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices.Food costs have risen sharply in Egypt in recent months, in line with rising global commodity prices.
Some basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger. Some prices of basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger.
Egyptian food crisis bitesEgyptian food crisis bites
This is a worrying development for a government that maintains public order with a strong hand, our correspondent says. The planned protest coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981.
The day of action coincides with the 80th birthday of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981.
President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%.President Mubarak has ordered the army to help with bread production and recently announced a public sector pay increase of 30%.
But the authorities have also warned they will not tolerate dissent on the streets. There were two days of clashes with riot police after the security services prevented textile workers from carrying out industrial action during a day of protests last month.
There were two days of clashes with riot police after the security services prevented textile workers from carrying out industrial action during a similar day of protests last month.
Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody.Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody.
Are you in Egypt? Are you planning on striking? How are you coping with rising food prices? Send us your comments using the form below. Are you in Egypt? How are you coping with rising food prices? Send us your comments using the form below.
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