The death of Shaimaa al-Sabbagh sparked outrage throughout the country – but from most people, for the wrong reasons. It was a he said/she said debate over who killed her. Supporters of the current regime instantly blamed the Muslim Brotherhood, labelling it as another of their vicious schemes to destroy the police and country. Several political activists – and witnesses – claim that she was shot by police during the violent and unnecessary dispersing of protests commemorating the fourth anniversary of the revolution. Shaimaa was pictured moments before her death holding a bouquet of flowers. Her only wish was to place it in Tahrir Square, the iconic venue that used to be a symbol for hope to many Egyptians, to remember those who lost their lives four years ago. Instead, she was shot in cold blood, leaving her five-year-old son behind. As the pictures, videos and statements emerged immediately after her death, one thing struck me deeply: the calmness of those around her. A video showed Shaimaa being carried by one of the protesters in one of the connecting streets to Talaat Harb. As he walked through the narrow street, dozens…
