I refuse revolution celebrations

 Alaa Aswani Cairo - Akram Ali Days before the first anniversary of the January 25 Revolution, Egyptian renowned writer Alaa al-Aswani, states that the revolution is still ongoing. There is no need for a “so-called celebration”, explaining that the demands of the revolution have not been achieved. Al-Aswani called for peaceful demonstrations around Egypt, on the first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, to voice the non-achieved goals. In an interview with Arabs Today, he stated, "I always support peaceful demonstration, as long as it voices the demands of the people. I was honored to have joined the last Cabinet sit-in, and I will join any other protest, because the true rebels are the guardians of the revolution, they are not thugs. On the contrary, they have protected holdings of the Institut d’Egypte, which was burned." Al-Aswany is against the revolution anniversary celebrations held by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), "Celebration are only held in the case of victory and the end of a revolution, I do not think that there should be a festivals in the case of defeat. The revolution is not over, it is continuing. One of the main goals of the revolution is to be treated with humanity and dignity; this has not yet been achieved, so I see no reason for celebrating yet.” On his opinion of the recent parliamentary elections swept by Islamists, the Egyptian novelist said, "The next parliament is the biggest test for political Islamists. The parliament shall either achieve the principles of the revolution, or work against it, which will lead to it losing its legitimacy." There are clashes between the revolutionary will that demands full change, and the SCAF wanting to maintain Mubarak regime, while "there has been no real change. Police officers accused of killing protesters were not arrested, on the contrary, they have been promoted. In addition, the judiciary was not cleansed and the Attorney General retained in office." The only revolution goal achieved is the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak, according to Al-Aswani, "There is an attempt to limit the revolution to a coup against the head of the regime only, in addition to hiding facts, so no one would be able to figure out the reality of the status quo." On the role of Egyptian women in the revolution, he said, "without Egyptian women, the revolution would have failed. There are some now who want women to go backwards; considering them a source of temptation that should stay home. Women, however, surprised and impressed everyone by participating in marches and sit-ins." He pointed out that virginity test were performed by the SCAF to break the spirits of girls and intimidate them from participating in protests. He saluted and praised Samira Ibrahim who managed to defy the SCAF, and filed a lawsuit to prevent the virginity tests.