By Luiz Sanchez
On 28 January 2011, hundreds upon thousands of people took to the streets, unified by a single, determined purpose; to claim their right to choose their destiny. As the masses claimed the streets of Egypt calling for bread, freedom and social justice, the government responded in kind with violence, oppression and impunity.
Two years on and the violence remains a core issue in Egypt. This time however, a deep division in political perspectives and a lack of unified core demands has resulted in a weakened presence on the ground. Protesters still clash with police around key installations in Cairo, while police respond to manifestations with tear gas and ammunition; Egyptians are still subject to arbitrary detention and military trials; and the need for bread, freedom and social justice is higher than ever.
The players may have changed, but the game remains the same.
![ElBaradei said on his twitter account that he had “called for parliamentary election boycott in 2010 to expose sham democracy. Today I repeat my call, [we] will not be part of an act of deception”.(AFP/File Photo)](https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/app/uploads/2012/12/ElbARADEI.jpeg)
