Egyptian Court Confirms Death Sentences for Port Said Football Rioters
A court has upheld the death sentences of 21 people found guilty of causing Egypt’s worst ever football riot at a match in Port Said in February 2012, sparking renewed unrest.
Thousands of football fans took to Cairo’s streets in protest, before setting fire to the football federation headquarters. In Port Said, residents tried to block the canal and attacked the football stadium.
In an unrelated protest in Cairo, a man died of teargas inhalation during a confrontation between police and anti-government demonstrators.
The court in Cairo also announced verdicts on Saturday for the other 52 defendants in the case, with 24 being sentenced to jail, including two senior police officers who received 15 years. The remaining 28 were acquitted, including seven police officers.
Police in Port Said retreated to their stations, fearing for their lives after weeks of violent clashes with supporters of the local football team, al-Masry. More than 50 people have died and hundreds more have been injured in the Mediterranean city during protests against the trial over the past month.
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