CAIRO – The uprising that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak in 2011 radically shifted the tides of politics in Egypt. But five years later, the revolution is unrecognizable. The military ousted the first democratically elected president, and President Sisi, a former army general, has instituted a brutal crackdown on all revolutionary activities.

GroundTruth is in Cairo to witness the fifth anniversary of the floundering revolution. Read a piece by GroundTruth founder Charles Sennott at FRONTLINE, and don’t miss a heartbreaking chronicle of the imprisoned former revolutionaries, by Middle East corresponded Lauren Bohn in The Atlantic. 

All photos by Roger Anis for GroundTruth

An Egyptian holds his country’s flags in Tahrir Square, marking the anniversary of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, Egypt.

A policeman holds a rose handed out by supporters of Egyptian President Sisi, as they are celebrate Police Day, the same date as the 2011 uprising began, January 25.

Supporters of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi wave national flags and shout slogans, as they mark Police Day.

A policeman stands guard in Tahrir Square on Police Day.

Security forces oversee the square that was home to Egypt’s uprising.

Supporters of Sisi handed out flags in the square, including to this member of the police force.

Supporter of President Sisi, among police forces in Tahrir Square, celebrate the Police Day on January 25, the same day of the fifth anniversary of the 2011 uprising against former President Mubarak.

Children hold Egyptian flags while passing by Tahrir Square to celebrate the Police Day.

A supporter of President Sisi  wears the uniform of the Egyptian army and celebrates Police Day in Tahrir Square.

A supporter of President Sisi painted the flag of Egypt and the first initials of President Sisi on her face in Tahrir Square on January 25.