Photo courtesy of the LA Times

Arab Spring Update: Temperatures are rising.

This week a fresh bout of violent riots broke out in Egypt, spurred by the trial of the former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak.

The once strong and vibrant leader was shown on TV in a hospital bed behind bars. The charged footage has spurred strong emotions on both sides.

Tahami Luteifi, a Mubarak supporter, said,

“He’s going to be found innocent.  There’s no option but that! He is the father of this country.”

Nabil Hassan had a more optimistic take on the proceedings, explaining,

“When (Mubarak) is in the cage, and we know he’s there, then we know we have started to put our feet on the path to justice. If he and his accomplices are in court, he becomes one of the people – no different from anyone else facing justice.”

Others citizens are disturbed by the ongoing violence. Those already struggling to make ends meet are finding that the ongoing unrest has economic consequences.

“I’ve got five kids to feed but work is down 30%… nobody has any money left. The revolution’s gone on too long.”