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Egypt court backs Port Said football riot death sentences Egypt court backs Port Said football riot death sentences
(about 1 hour later)
A court in Egypt has upheld 21 death sentences handed down over deadly football riots in Port Said, amid continuing unrest over the trial. A court in Egypt has upheld 21 death sentences handed down to fans over deadly football riots in Port Said, amid fears of new unrest.
Five of 52 other defendants were sentenced to life in prison for rioting while others received lesser sentences or were acquitted.Five of 52 other defendants were sentenced to life in prison for rioting while others received lesser sentences or were acquitted.
During last year's violence between rival fans, 74 people died. Locals accuse the Cairo court of leniency towards the police over the riots, in which 74 people died.
A crowd gathered in Port Said to protest at the verdicts.
Fans of the Port Said team, al-Masry, were also said to be planning a demonstration at the city's stadium.
The military has been patrolling the coastal city this weekend in an effort to ease tension.The military has been patrolling the coastal city this weekend in an effort to ease tension.
Elsewhere, at least 10 of Egypt's 29 provinces were affected by an unprecedented strike by thousands of low-ranking police. Some units reportedly left their headquarters after sealing them with chains.Elsewhere, at least 10 of Egypt's 29 provinces were affected by an unprecedented strike by thousands of low-ranking police. Some units reportedly left their headquarters after sealing them with chains.
They were protesting against being forced by the government of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi to confront protesters as well as a lack of protection from prosecution.They were protesting against being forced by the government of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi to confront protesters as well as a lack of protection from prosecution.
The chief of security forces was replaced on Friday to try to defuse anger among police.The chief of security forces was replaced on Friday to try to defuse anger among police.
'Politicised'
Confirming the capital punishment sentences, Judge Sobhi Abdel-Maguid specified "the death penalty by hanging".
In addition
  • Port Said stadium security chief Essam Eddin Samak and nine other defendants were each sentenced to 15 years in jail
  • Six received 10-year jail terms and two were sent to prison for five years
  • A single defendant got a 12-month jail term and 28 of the accused, including seven policemen, walked free
The court's verdicts, broadcast live on TV, were greeted with suspicion and anger in Port Said, local media reported.
Bloggers say a crowd of demonstrators has been moving in the direction of the Suez Canal.
El-Sayed Hafez, a retired resident of the city, told the al-Ahram newspaper: "The verdict is politicised... only two of the police officers were convicted."
He accused President Mohammed Morsi of trying to placate fans of the Cairo team, al-Ahly, who are known as the Ultras.
Most of the victims in last year's riots were Ultras.
According to the newspaper, Ultras greeted Saturday's verdicts with mixed feelings, with some unhappy they did not go far enough.
Tense weekTense week
Confirming the capital punishment sentences, the judge specified "the death penalty by hanging".
Port Said stadium security chief Essam Eddin Samak was sentenced to 15 years in jail.
Other defendants received terms of 15, 10 or five years while 28 of the accused walked free.
The court was sitting in the capital Cairo, for security reasons.The court was sitting in the capital Cairo, for security reasons.
After word spread that the defendants were being moved outside Port Said, the city saw six days of clashes between police and protesters around the security headquarters.After word spread that the defendants were being moved outside Port Said, the city saw six days of clashes between police and protesters around the security headquarters.
At least seven people - civilians and security officials - were killed.At least seven people - civilians and security officials - were killed.
The original death sentences imposed on the 21 defendants in January sparked a revolt in Port Said, where many residents saw the trial as unjust and politically biased.The original death sentences imposed on the 21 defendants in January sparked a revolt in Port Said, where many residents saw the trial as unjust and politically biased.
Most of the victims in last year's riots were supporters of Cairo's al-Ahly club.
There has been widespread antagonism towards the police since the mass protests which brought down former President Hosni Mubarak in February 2011.There has been widespread antagonism towards the police since the mass protests which brought down former President Hosni Mubarak in February 2011.
And many people believe police in Port Said stood by in revenge for the fans' role in anti-Mubarak unrest. Police deny the accusation. Many people believe police in Port Said stood by in revenge for the fans' role in anti-Mubarak unrest. Police deny the accusation.