Free speech is important because without it, the government can conceal the truth from the people.

Democracy is a system whereby, once duly informed of the truth (to their own satisfaction), the people can impel government to obey their will. It's nice to know the facts, but something altogether different to do something about it.

There are other means of course, (like protesting in the streets until your dictator either shoots you or is forced to do it your way) and democracy is far from perfect, but I think democracy is the best system available. I'm pretty sure the Egyptians as a whole agree that democracy is the best system to get what they want; which is the important thing.