As graduating students waited anxiously in their caps and gowns for their names to be called out to receive their certificates, chants against Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) were not subtle.

“Down with military-rule”, among other chants, were shouted at the American University in Cairo (AUC)’s class of 2012 commencement on Saturday evening.

An AUC student told Aswat Masriya, “The rush of shouting anti-regime slogans in my cap and gown was significantly more powerful than going up the stage to receive my graduation certificate”.

Losing an AUC student in the deadly clashes of Port Said where more than 70 people were killed and hundreds were injured earlier this month, the commencement was intense. Omar Mohsen who was politically-active and a member of Ultras Ahlawy (hardcore football fans) was due to graduate yesterday.

AUC’s president, Lisa Anderson, called for a moment of silence to honor Omar Mohsen in her speech.

After the Port Said incident, several political analysts and movements accused the authorities of plotting the event to punish Ultras Ahlawy for their pro-revolution position.

“To heaven, martyr!” the crowd repeatedly chanted with every mention of Mohsen whose seat remained empty while his father received an award in his name. Several students wore stickers on their gowns with his name on while others wore stickers that read, “Down with military-rule”.