Edmontonians with loved ones trapped in a protesting north African country are turning to Facebook and Twitter as a means of joining the fight.
Khalid Hammad, whose family, friends and fiancée are still in Egypt, hopes to bolster the spirits of people in his homeland through a Youtube video that shows him and others mounting a demonstration in Churchill Square.
He says it's all he can do as he watches images of looting and burning buildings on television, with Egyptians continuing to demand president Hosni Mubarak resign after 30 years of absolute power.
"Sometimes I'm not able to contact them and at those moments I get very worried," said Hammad of the connection he's had with people back home.
Still he argues it's crucial protesters carry on their push for democracy.
"I'll be seeing a new country - the one I hope for and the one I always dreamed of."
Hammad and three others of Egyptian descent gathered in his apartment Sunday, using social media to contribute to the cause.
"It is all we can do from here - we cannot go back home because the airports are closed down," said Mohammed El-Madany. "If it wasn't for technology the revolution in Egypt would not have taken place - it is Facebook and Twitter that started all of this."
The Egyptian government quickly became aware of the momentum generated by online communication, slashing internet and cell phone service on Friday. There are reports, however, that a limited number of messages are still getting through.
Egypt's success in going off the grid is troubling to the four men because they say it adds to their sense of powerlessness. They are determined to stand in solidarity with people back home.
"That is very sad because they are the first people who I wanted to them to watch that," said Mohammed Ahmed, referring to Saturday's protest in front of city hall. "I want them to know that people outside of Egypt still support them."
The four say another Edmonton rally is likely. They are also considering making a complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
With Files from Sean Amato
