Soaring prices

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. Some prices of basic goods have almost doubled, provoking widespread unease and anger. The planned protest 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%. 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. Hundreds of people were arrested and many are still in police custody.