Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. At Least 34 Opposition Members Freed from Egyptian Prisons VOA News January 30, 2011 Smoke billows from the Arcadia shopping center, that was looted, damaged and set on fire by people in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday Jan. 30, 2011. Photo: AP Smoke billows from the Arcadia shopping center, that was looted, damaged and set on fire by people in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday Jan. 30, 2011. At least 34 members of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood political party walked out of prison Sunday after protesters overpowered guards at detention centers. A spokesman for the party made the announcement Sunday. The Muslim Brotherhood members were among thousands of prisoners set free during the violent protests that have rocked Cairo, Alexandria, and other Egyptian cities since Tuesday. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in public spaces again Sunday, including Cairo's Tahrir Square, to continue their call for President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in office. There is a heavy military presence on the streets of Cairo, with tanks guarding banks, government buildings, and the Interior Ministry headquarters. In many cases, protesters have welcomed the security forces as protection from the violence that has killed more than 100 people and injured an estimated 1,000. Egyptian official media say Mr. Mubarak visited the military headquarters in charge of security operations Sunday. The state-run news agency also reported the government has ordered the closure of the Cairo bureau of Al Jazeera television, which has reported extensively on the riots. Al Jazeera responded quickly, saying the move was designed to "stifle and repress" free and open reporting On Saturday, Mr. Mubarak named intelligence chief Omar Suleiman as vice president - the first time the post has been filled in 30 years. Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei reacted to Mr. Mubarak's moves by saying new appointments were not enough. In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Nobel laureate said protesters want a regime change and an end to what he called a dictatorship. Military patrols have blocked access to Egypt's many tourist attractions, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the pyramids. Watch Raw Video of the Street Protests in Cairo  Key Players in Egypt's Crisis * President Hosni Mubarak: The 82-year-old has ruled Egypt for 30 years as leader of the National Democratic Party. With no named successor and in poor health, analysts say the president is grooming his son, Gamal, to succeed him. Egypt's longest-serving president came to power after the assassination of his predecessor, Anwar Sadat. * Vice President Omar Suleiman: The new Egyptian Vice President has served as head of intelligence and is a close ally of President Mubarak. Suleiman is seen by some analysts as a possible successor to the president. He earned international respect for his role as a mediator in Middle East affairs and for curbing Islamic extremism. * Mohamed ElBaradei: The Nobel Peace laureate and former Egyptian diplomat has gained international attention as a vocal critic of Mr. Mubarak and his government. Until recently he headed the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency, and he has lived outside Egypt for years. ElBaradei founded the nonpartisan movement National Association for Change, and has offered to lead a transitional administration in Egypt if Mr. Mubarak steps down. * Ayman Nour: The political dissident founded the Al Ghad or "tomorrow" party. Nour ran against Mr. Mubarak in the 2005 election and was later jailed on corruption charges. The government released him in 2009 under pressure from the United States and other members of the international community. * Muslim Brotherhood: The Islamic fundamentalist organization is outlawed in Egypt, but remains the largest opposition group. Its members previously held 20 percent of the seats in parliament, but lost them after a disputed election in late 2010. The group leads a peaceful political and social movement aimed at forming an Islamic state. Thousands of passengers have been stranded at Cairo's airport as flights were canceled or delayed. Several Arab nations moved to evacuate their citizens. Military patrols have blocked access to Egypt's many tourist attractions, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the pyramids. Two mobile phone networks resumed service Saturday, about 24 hours after the government instructed mobile operators to cut services in an effort to stop Friday's massive protests.  Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is following the anti-government protests in Egypt "with vigilance," and says his nation's efforts are focused on maintaining the stability and security of the region. Mr. Netanyahu made his comments Sunday as the crisis in the streets of Cairo and other Egyptian cities entered its sixth day. Egypt is Israel's largest Arab ally and has played a major role as a regional mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. The United States on Sunday advised its citizens in Egypt to consider leaving the country as soon as possible. Saturday, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah criticized the protesters and expressed support for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt are key allies of the United States, which has called on President Mubarak to fulfill his promises of reform and refrain from violence against the demonstrators. Saturday in Iran, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry called on Egyptian authorities to follow what he called the "rightful demands" of the people and avoid any violence against them. He said the Egyptian protests are based in Islam and aimed at gaining justice. View the slide show of anti-government protests in Egypt  NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page. References 1. http://twitter.com/VOAMidEast 2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667? v=wall .