Egyptians commemorate the first anniversary of uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak, as the ruling military lifted state of emergency.

Egyptians commemorate the first anniversary of uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak, as the ruling military lifted state of emergency.

It is a year since Egyptians took to the streets to call for reform change and to demand the resignation of Mubarak, who had been in rule for 30 years.

Thousands of protesters had already gathered in Tahrir Square, by Tuesday night, the epicenter of last year's demonstrations.
They put up tents and chanted slogans against the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf), which took power last February after Mubarak stepped down.

Meanwhile, head of the ruling military council has announced the decades-old state of emergency will be lifted partially, but still apply to cases of "thuggery".

An end to the state of emergency was a key demand of the protesters. During his nearly 30 years in power, Mubarak had repeatedly promised to lift the decree and then failed to do so.
Egypt has been governed under emergency law almost continuously since 1967.

However, Scaf chairman Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi said the emergency law would still be applied in cases of "thuggery", without giving any details.

The military, which was handed power as Mubarak stepped down on February 11, has also planned mass celebrations with a naval parade in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, air shows in Cairo and fireworks displays around the country.