Update on Tahrir Square violence, Lotus hotel blockade

In another call with Sam, he was more specific about the nature of the violence in Tahrir Square, which some of his video clips capture.

Sam says, "when we were in the street they brought out plainclothes 'goons.'" This was "a coordinated thing -- all these plainclothes guys pulling people apart," "they punched women."

Separately: A participant tells us that about 20 people are still at the Lotus hotel, while many others have managed to get out or were out before the police barricade there was firm. Those stuck there are chanting, singing, and holding-up banners -- demonstrating wherever they will be allowed to be.

Word from Sam, over the phone

A peaceful march within Cairo was planned today in reaction to the Egyptian government's prior refusal to allow  the group to travel to Gaza. Police in Cairo seem to have moved to prevent even that.

As others have mentioned through Tweets and other mediums, a protest in Tahrir Square, near the Cairo Museum and hotels where some participants are staying, and from where Sam has been posting, has turned violent.

Sam says "they brought in the henchmen," "not the regular police" and began to "pull people back" and people have been beaten. There are reports on Twitter of demonstrators being bloodied, cameras being smashed.

Sam's glasses were broken or lost in the turmoil. 

Sam guesses about a 1,000 people or more are participating in the demonstration.