An Egyptian court sentenced 21 individuals to death penalty. They are accused of the tragedy that occurred in the city of Port Said a year ago, leaving more than 70 people dead, a representative of the court told reporters on Saturday, RIA Novosti reported.
Over 70 people were killed, 254 were injured following mass fights after the match of two Egyptian teams in Port Said on Feb. 2, 2012.
Port Said Criminal Court held a meeting at the Police Academy in the Egyptian capital and decided to impose the death penalty towards 21 accused. The court will submit the case to the Egyptian Grand Mufti. According to the legislation, he must approve imposing the death penalty. The court final decision will be made on March 9, 2013.
The court session was held without the participation of the accused. Relatives and friends of those killed, as well as thousands of football fans gathered at the Police Academy and greeted the verdict. They were chanting calls for the Mufti to approve the court decision. Meanwhile, some reports were made from Port Said that supporters of the accused went to the detention center. They are trying to take the building by storm.