Five million hold protests in Egypt
Millions of demonstrators pour into streets across Egypt to mark a week of protests against President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year regime, February 1, 2011.
Over five million Egyptians have taken to the streets across the country to pressure President Hosni Mubarak and his government to step down.
Large crowds have massed in capital Cairo for the biggest anti-government protest in Egypt's recent history.
The demonstrators have flooded Cairo's Tahrir square, calling on President Hosni Mubarak to step down.
Men, women and children from all walks of life are attending the rally which has so far been peaceful.
Some reports put the total number of protesters across Egypt at about eight million.
Tanks and troops have been stationed along the route of the march, but the army has promised not to use force against the demonstrators.
Security checkpoints have also been placed all across Cairo.
Reports say the government has restricted access to the capital by shutting down all roads and public transportation.
Large demonstrations are also being held in other cities including Alexandria and Suez.
The UN says eight days of unrest have left an estimated 300 people dead.
Meanwhile, the United States has ordered all non-essential government personnel, including non-emergency embassy staff, to leave Egypt.
RZS/HRF/JR/AKM
