Egyptian riots continue to grip the nation

On Wednesday more than 70 people were killed in a football match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly in Port Said, Egypt. After the final whistle, the fans of the former team invaded the pitch celebrating their team’s victory over the most successful club in Egypt, and what soon transpired was more than just a gloating of proud fans.

Some of the invading fans were carrying weapons and attacking one another – including players and fans. 74 people, mainly supporters of Al-Ahly, were reported dead while more than 1000 were said to be injured. Al-Ahly fans, or “Al-Ahly Ultras” as they are commonly known, had played a major role in anti-Mubarak protest which has led the Muslim Brotherhood to blame the orchestration of the riot on the remaining supporters of ex-military leader Hosni Mubarak.

This accusation, however, wasn’t enough to lift the tension off the military regime that currently holds the reins of power. The crowd blames the army for deliberately allowing the attack to happen, as the security in the stadium was virtually non-existent.

The backlash of the stadium riot was soon followed by the demonstration in Suez City and the streets of Cairo near the interior ministry, the focus for protest in Cairo. So far the death toll reported has been five including a policeman.

The demonstration currently includes about 10,000 protestors calling for the change in regime. They also chanted for Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, de facto head of state, to be hanged.

Rajeeb Gurung