Jackson Free Press

CAIRO (AP) — Where tents once sprouted and giant crowds chanted against their rulers, Egypt's interim prime minister on Monday inaugurated the start of what is to be a memorial to protesters killed in the country's revolutionary turmoil in the center of famed Tahrir Square.

But some of those who participated in those popular revolts feel the memorial doesn't honor the dead as much as it tries to paper over the continuing deep disputes over Egypt's future. They say the military-backed interim government is seeking to impose its control over what they see as an intrinsically anti-authoritarian space.

The inauguration comes a day before the anniversary of some of the fiercest confrontations between protesters and security forces on a street adjoining Tahrir Square, in which at least 45 people were killed by police in 2011. The day is expected to bring new rallies and, it is feared, new unrest.

Activists were quick to point out the bitter irony of the government erecting a memorial to the "martyrs," when there is no effort to prosecute police or military officials over their deaths and there is less official tolerance for protests. Soldiers routinely block the often-deserted square with armored personnel carriers and barbed wire on days authorities fear protests and clashes could reach the central Cairo plaza.

"No transitional justice starts by building a memorial in Tahrir," said political activist Rasha Azab, who took part in clashes in 2011 and 2012. "I have no doubt that this memorial will be destroyed soon. It doesn't represent anything."

Tahrir has been the symbolic heart of protest throughout more than 2 ½ years of Arab Spring revolt in the country. First, it was the main stage for the 18 days of protests that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. Then it was the scene of frequent protests by opponents of the military, which took over direct power after Mubarak's fall — repeatedly leading to deadly clashes with the police and troops.

Finally, it was a main venue for protests against Mohammed Morsi, the first post-Mubarak president, and his Muslim Brotherhood, culminating in marches by millions nationwide that prompted the July 3 coup that removed Morsi.

Since then, supporters of the military and the new interim government have effectively claimed control of the square.

The memorial construction is part of a government plan to show that the country has regained stability. A short walk away, authorities plan major renovations at the famed Egyptian Museum as well. In Tahrir itself, municipal workers are laying new grass and flower in the center of the roundabout.

Interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi inaugurated the base of the planned memorial, cementing the last stone onto the structure, amid tight security at Tahrir, with all entrances to the square sealed off by police. Authorities will hold a competition to design a statue to be placed on the pedestal, dedicated to the "martyrs of the two revolutions" — referring to the revolt against Mubarak and the wave of protests against Morsi.

"We are sending a message to the nation's innocent martyrs: Our people will never forget your sacrifices, you made your names immortal with letters of light, and you sacrificed your souls for the coming generations to live in dignity," El-Beblawi said during the ceremony, as a uniformed band played the national anthem and nationalist songs.

Since Mubarak's fall, Egypt's successive leaders have sought to impose some control on Tahrir through refurbishment and clean-up campaigns. Disputes previously erupted when workers tried to start painting over graffiti around the square honoring fallen protesters or making anti-authoritarian statements.

But this is the first move by authorities that ostensibly aims to honor the revolutionaries.

Watching workers lay stones at the memorial Saturday evening, Amr Suleiman, a bank worker, praised the government's efforts to claim the square from what he described as incessant dissent.

"This is perfect," Suleiman said. "It's better than the sit-ins and all the thugs, thieves and beggars who were hanging out here."

Mahmoud Osman, who came to the square with his wife and two children waving Egyptian flags, said he was happy the government finally is honoring those who died demanding change.

"This step should have come long ago," Osman said.

On Tuesday, rallies are planned by multiple groups to mark the second anniversary of the deadly clashes on Mohammed Mahmoud Street, a street that begins at Tahrir and leads to the Interior Ministry, in charge of police. The clashes began on Nov. 19, 2011 when police cracked down on protesters against the then-military rulers, and the violence went on for several days.

On last year's anniversary, three people were killed in clashes that broke out during commemoratory protests against the police and Morsi.

Many fear the second anniversary of the clash will be no less violent. Supporters of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood group plan protests Tuesday to mark the day, as do supporters of the military.

Revolutionary activists also plan rallies, but some are conflicted over how to mark it. Some want to denounce the military and police over the protester deaths two years ago, but they also are wary of being seen as siding with the Brotherhood in its protests against the new military-backed government.

In a televised statement Sunday, Interior Ministry spokesman Hani Abdel Latif said police will protect the planned rallies Tuesday, though it warned that authorities would deal harshly with anyone who turned to violence.

"The Interior Ministry offers its condolences to all the martyrs of the revolution whose pure blood was shed to water the tree of national struggle," Latif said.

But those words came as no comfort to those killed by police.

"This memorial will not benefit me. My first and last objective is retribution," said Mohammed Abdel-Moneim, who lost his son Mustafa in the 2011 clashes. "That's what will cure my sadness and my pain — and his mother's, who is still crying every day."