Social upheaval continues in Egypt

CAIRO, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Egyptian police fired on protesters during a second day of unrest Wednesday as demonstrators said they'd had enough of President Hosni Mubarak.

Egyptian Interior Minister Ahmed Nazif backed down slightly saying Wednesday that freedom of expression "by legitimate means" would be tolerated in the country, al-Jazeera reports. Egyptian authorities warned demonstrators Tuesday they would be arrested for violating national laws.

Protests swept across Cairo for a second day as police fired tear gas and scuffled with protesters complaining about living conditions, unemployment and Mubarak's rule.

Al-Jazeera reports that opposition supporters in Egypt said the number of protesters on the streets is around 10,000 and some are describing the unrest as the most significant in more than 30 years.

U.S. President Barack Obama, a Mubarak ally, said in a statement that Cairo should listen to the voice of the people.

"The Egyptian government has an important opportunity to be responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people and pursue political, economic and social reforms that can improve their lives and help Egypt prosper," his statement read.

Cairo blamed the opposition Muslim Brotherhood for the unrest, though the group denied responsibility for the demonstrations.

At least four people, including a policeman in Cairo, were killed during demonstrations Tuesday.

Mubarak, president since 1981, is expected to seek another term during elections this year.