For my Media Arabic class, KC and I interviewed the director of our program about the events in Port Said. He responded, "Soccer is like politics in Egypt." With 74 people dead from the incidents at the soccer match, it is clear that this event reflects so much more than just a game. The Ultras, a group of hardcore fans of Cairo's Al-Ahly team, are notoriously pro-revolution. They formed a group called UWK, which stands for Ultras White Knights, comprised entirely of young men. Many are blaming the military for instigating the riots and claiming that stadium security did absolutely nothing to quell the violence.
In wake of this tragedy, all of Egypt is mourning for three days. On the anniversary of the revolution, many people were celebrating. Now, people are angry. The Ministry of the Interior protests became violent. On top of this, there are rumors that private American companies are supplying poisonous and expired tear gas to the military. In order to protect their faces from the tear gas, the protestors spray their eyes and cover their faces with a mixture of yeast and water. All of the protestors looked like they have been covered in a beige, liquidy paint.
We are staying the apartments tonight. KC just made chocolate strawberries and Kerrie made cookie dough. I am trying to stay positive :)
This is on a wall a street over from our apartment. I am going to be taking pictures of all the political graffiti in Cairo, so stay tuned for more.
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