In Ramses Square the atmosphere was almost that of a carnival. Hundreds of people followed a leader in a mass Mexican wave. Others chanted passionately but peacefully. (..)

The catalyst for what happened is disputed. Security forces claim that the Azbakeya police station, on the edge of Ramses Square, „came under attack“ by a crowd of armed Islamist protesters. It is a claim that this newspaper has not been able to verify independently.