Tahrir Square: Ten Year Anniversary - A Look Back (Photo Gallery)

It is hard to believe that 10 years have already passed since the Tahrir Square protests in Egypt erupted in 2011 - leading to the abrupt ending of the 30-year rule of then-President Hosni Mubarak.

But ten years later - as in many countries where Arab Spring uprisings took place - civil liberties are scarce. In Egypt a man who seized power has traded in his uniform for Gucci suits. Barracks for mansions. Free media has been crushed in the most populous state in the Arab world. Under the iron fist of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, repression is widespread and disappearances are common.

One of the quotes I recall from a young male protester seemed to sum up the feelings of many young people risking their lives on the barricades: “What have I got to lose. I can’t afford to get my own place. I cant afford to get married. I have no hope.” Widespread corruption was a major reason for the protests.

In many Arab countries, young people represent 50 percent or more of the population and yet the prospects of gainful employment are low. And made far worse now by the pandemic.

Below are some of my most gripping images from those 18-days of uprising. A moment in time I will never forget. I was eventually evacuated by my own country to Germany. (Click on the image to advance forward).