Clashes erupt between angry protesters and security forces surrounding the Port Said General Prison after a court announces a death sentence to 21 local football fans convicted of attacking and killing opposition Ahly fans during a match.
Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the angry crowd, mainly family members, trying to break into the prison. All of the accused are in prisons, except for five policemen that were present in the courtroom as the judge announced the verdict.
A minibus that belonged to one of the media channels was set on fire, reported Al-Ahram Arabic news site.
Crying and screaming rang throughout the streets of the coastal city when the death sentences were announced.
Seventy-three defendants, including nine security officials, three Masry football club officials and a number of fans are on trial for their suspected role in Egypt’s worst-ever football tragedy, where more than 70 people.
Twenty one have been given the death sentence. The trial of the remaining defendants will be looked into on 9 March.
New evidence was submitted last week requiring further investigation into the case.
Despite the anger that the verdict triggered in Port Said, news of the verdict was received with cheers and fireworks by members of Ultras Ahlawy protesting outside the Ahly club in Cairo’s Zamalek district.