Ali Abunimah estimates about 300 people left after police attempted to break up the demonstration and penned-in the area from where Ali and Sam are posting from. Some of them are reported by Ali to be discussing not moving for hours, spending New Year's Eve right there out on the street.
Ali Abunimah is posting brief audio clips and interviews from same area where Sam is.
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.
