TRAGIC

Egyptians Protest Handling of Riot

Soccer fight left 79 dead.

Egyptians gathered in Tahrir Square on Thursday, this time to protest the government’s handling of a deadly soccer riot. Clashes between fans of two soccer teams left at least 79 dead. Egyptian soccer fans have a reputation for violence, but the unusually light security at Wednesday’s game—fans were allowed to bring knives—has some wondering whether police intended the riot as a lesson. It comes days after the partial lifting of the country’s emergency laws, and fans known as the Ultras have been implicated in confronting police in recent political protests. Egypt’s Parliament held an emergency session Thursday and declared three days of mourning. “Egypt spent its night crying over its dead,” Parliament Speaker Saad Katatni said in a statement. Angry fans have occupied Tahrir Square and plan to march on the interior ministry.