In the last month clashes have erupted all over Egypt resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of casualties, though the exact numbers remains disputed.  According to Amnesty International onJuly 25, “More than 180 people [had] been killed in violent clashes or other political violence since 30 June”.

On July 24, General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi called for Friday protests to back the military’s efforts to combat terrorism and violence. By Saturday, July 27, the Ministry of Health reported another 74 deaths, 65 of which were in Cairo and 9 in Alexandria (Reuters).  This new wave of casualties has brought the death toll to well over 200 throughout Egypt.  Many have voiced continued criticisms against the security forces for their questionable use of force or their perceived indifference when dealing with violent clashes and blame them for the mounting death toll.

Over the last several weeks since Morsi’s ouster on July 3, protests have been largely divided into the “pro-Morsi” and “anti-Morsi” camps, with the former headquartered at Rab’ah al-Adawiya mosque in Nasr City and the latter mainly in Tahrir Square.  The “anti-Morsi” protests are now being labeled as “pro-military” and much of the propaganda floating around Tahrir in support of the military is a good testament to the accuracy of this.  And then there is the “Third Square,” also known as Sphinx Square in Giza, where those who do not feel quite at home in the Tahrir or Rab’ah rallies have organized their own operation. They explain in their leaflet their continued disapproval of the abuses of power they have witnessed beginning with former president, Mubarak, through the SCAF’s rule, into Morsi’s presidency, and now against the new defense minister, al-Sisi (link). Though such a divide seemed inevitable, it weaves new threads into the fabric of Egypt’s political turmoil.

Last Thursday, prior to the new wave of clashes, 3 interns accompanied our Editor-in-Chief, Cornelis Hulsman, on an interview in the vicinity of Rab’ah mosque with Islamist preacher, Safwat Hegazi. Hegazi has become notorious for his inflammatory speeches and inciting violence amongst Muslims. One intern, Daniela De Maria, recalls her experience here.  The text of the interview will be available online in the coming days.

Jenna Ferrecchia

Arab-West Report

July 30, 2013