CAIRO: The Egyptian Ministry of Culture issued an official statement today about the details of the clashes that took place in front of the Balloon Theater on Tuesday, moving onto Tahrir Square and resulting in many injuries. Preparations were taking place at the theatre for the charity event organized by the Waad el-Amin Association to honor the families of the martyrs that was scheduled to be held at 7 pm on Tuesday. According to the Ministry, at about 5:45pm on Tuesday organizers of the event and security were taken by surprise by a person bearing an iron rod and a chain trying to forcefully enter the theatre. Security was also surprised by the 200 people on foot and in cars trying to enter the theatre in order to attend the ceremony. The statement from the Ministry said these people were stopped from entering as the ceremony was by invitation only. This angered the people outside who began to throw stones and bottles at the theatre and insisted on entering by force. According to the Minister, security was forced to use fire hoses in order to defend the theatre, and managed to arrest 2 of the attackers. Once the events were reported, police forces came immediately and dealt with the situation by dispersing the attackers, who went towards the 6th of October Bridge. The police arrested seven people but during the clashes that took place prior to the arrest, the windows of the Salah Jaheen hall and ticket office were broken. A percussion instrument was stolen from the hall and five security officers were injured. Dr. Emad Abu Ghazi, Egypt's Minister of Culture, said the remnants of the former regime are the reason behind the incident, and that measures are being taken so it does not take place again.
