Evening Buzz: Journalists Targeted in Cairo

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/WORLD/africa/02/03/egypt.protests/c1main.tahrir.protesters.afp.gi.jpg caption="Protesters throw rocks in central Cairo Thursday." width=300 height=169]

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Anti-Mubarak demonstrators are calling for another massive protest Friday, saying it will be the "Day of Departure" for the Egyptian President. They're demanding that the 82-year-old leader step down.

Today journalists in Cairo were targeted, beaten and in some cases arrested by security forces and police. Several news organizations, including The Washington Post, Al Jazerra, The New York Times and CNN, reported members of their staff being harassed.

Anderson tweeted earlier today: "Situation on ground in Egypt very tense. Vehicle I was in attacked. My window smashed. All OK." He'll talk about what he faced tonight on the program.

Today Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the attacks against journalists.

"This is a violation of international norms that guarantee freedom of the press and it is unacceptable under any circumstances," said Clinton.

"We also condemn in strongest terms attacks on peaceful demonstrators, human rights activists, foreigners, and diplomats. Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press are pillars of an open and inclusive society," added Clinton.

As Clinton indicated, human rights groups are also coming under attack in Egypt. Oxfam International, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are calling for the release of their staffers who've been detained at an undisclosed location in Cairo.

Egypt's Vice President Omar Suleiman, who was just appointed over the weekend, had a few choice words for the media when he spoke on TV today.

"I actually blame certain friendly nations who have television channels, they’re not friendly at all, who have intensified the youth against the nation and the state."

Suleiman urged the anti-Mubarak protesters to give up their cause.

"I'm calling on the youth, continue your love of Egypt, go back to your homes."

Meanwhile, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak rejected claims his government fueled yesterday's violence. Instead, he blamed the Muslim Brotherhood and he said said he would step down immediately if he could, but can't because it could put the country into chaos, ABC News reported.

"I was very unhappy about yesterday. I do not want to see Egyptians fighting each other," Mubarak told ABC's Christiane Amanpour.

As for tomorrow's planned protest, the demonstrators say they'll try to march to the presidential palace. CNN's John King will give us a lay of the land tonight and show you on the magic wall where the crowds could fill the streets tomorrow and where they are already camping out.

Our live coverage from Cairo begins at 10 p.m. ET tonight on CNN. See you then.