Egypt: How much has changed in a year?

Egyptian military helicopters fly above Tahrir Square on July 1 2013

Egypt's first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi was deposed by the military one year ago, on 3 July 2013. The removal of the Islamist leader followed mass protests against his rule, but turmoil and bloodshed have continued.

Here, Egyptians give their views on whether the country has changed for the better or worse over the past 12 months.

Abdelrahman Ibrahim, Alexandria

Overall things might have gotten worse. It's a police state once again. We're back to the army. There are lots of blackouts.

Abdelrahman Ibrahim

Many of the problems have not been solved. On 25 January 2011 [when Egyptians revolted against Hosni Mubarak] a barrier of fear was broken. I'm sure [President Abdul Fattah al-] Sisi will destroy any kind of demonstration with an iron fist.

I think it's unlikely anything will succeed right now. If you talk to any young people here, 90% will say they want to finish their education and then go to the US or Europe.

Before the revolution there was a standard of safety or security. After the revolution it became outrageous. You could be mugged anywhere at any time of day. Some will say security has improved, but not really.

The education system is broken. I just have to complete my studies and do what I can to get out of Egypt.

My brother is going to the US. My other brother has graduated from dentistry, and will be going to England.

Mona, Cairo

I didn't support the 30 June protests [against Mohammed Morsi] but equally I don't support the Muslim Brotherhood because I feel they were very weak. They didn't really have the backing of the powerful institutions in the country, like the media. I feel that the 30 June protests were a counter-revolution aimed at reversing all the achievements of the 25 January revolution in 2011.

I feel helpless when I think of my country. I sometimes think that Egyptians should just give up their attempts to change the status quo because that will only lead to more death and bloodshed because no one can overpower those who control the country now. Too many people have died already.

We don't know the meaning of democracy, as a country; something in our cultures and traditions makes us unable to cope with it, and so we deserve the government that we have ended up with.

Mohannad Elsangary, Cairo

Last year I was against Morsi coming into power because I thought the election was unconstitutional. I even joined in with the demonstrations last year.

However, when the military started intervening, that's when I thought it was going wrong. I saw how things were changing - a coup is never a good thing.

Mohannad Elsangary

The military had no regard for civilian casualties. I felt under Morsi it was a dictatorship and I wanted another presidential election but if the people chose him again I would be ok with that.

It's much more dangerous to take part in demonstrations this year. Last week, even though only a few hundred people participated, several were attacked by thugs I suspect were hired by the police. Later on police were arresting anyone they suspected of having taken part in demonstrations.

Even during Morsi's time there was more tolerance. Now, there's an even worse regime than the Muslim Brotherhood.

Fady Youssef, Cairo

Fady Youssef

I supported the 30 June protests and still do. I think that removing Morsi from power was a great step that stopped the political, economic and social deterioration of Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood were taking Egypt in totally the wrong direction, prices were up, judicial standards were down and I felt like we were heading for civil war because so many people were so strongly against the Brotherhood and what they were doing to the country.

I think that the new regime (Sisi) will establish a better a future for the country. They have a much more comprehensive approach to running the country. They have a totally different mentality, they have national pride, anybody who doesn't want to see more bloodshed in Egypt has a place in their Egypt, not like The Brotherhood who cast out anybody who didn't agree with them.

Abdelmeguid Saleh, Cairo

Abdelmeguid Saleh

Last year I went to Tahrir Square because I did not want Morsi to be in power. Back then, he had made several mistakes and he was only concerned about Muslim Brotherhood, neglecting all other parties. There was no progress in the country. We needed some kind of a plan. I wouldn't have minded a plan over 20 years - there should at least have been something.

These days we have Sisi and the economy is getting better. He says we have tough times ahead, but let's just do it.

I don't mind the military being in place.

It is safer now. Apart from some of the bombings I feel much safer than last year.

Traffic is improving. The streets are getting fixed up. There have been improvements over the last three months.

Interviews by Sherie Ryder and Kerry Alexandra