Egypt divided on soccer violence death sentences
- 11 years ago
Outside Al Ahly football club in Cairo, they celebrate - and vow never to forget.
Saturday's verdict sentencing 21 people to death for their part in last year's Port Said soccer stadium disaster - which left 74 dead, many Al Ahly fans - was greeted with jubilation here.
Family members of the victims also celebrated - many had wept in court as the verdict was read out.
In Tahrir Square, where thousands congregated yesterday for the second anniversary of the revolution, many agreed with the verdict - but wanted authorities to also be held accountable.
This man says a fact finding commission should be established to discover who was actually behind the attack.
Both the verdict and yesterday's anniversary have been marred by violence.
At least 22 died in a wild rampage in Port Said on Saturday by locals angry that men from their city had been blamed for the disaster.
Meanwhile, troops were also deployed in Suez after nine people were shot dead on Friday following anti-government protests.
In Egypt's second city, Alexandria, also the scene of angry skirmishes yesterday, calm prevailed on the streets on Saturday.
Arsonists here torched at least two state-owned buildings and an office used by the Muslim Brotherhood's political party.
The violence and protests have laid bare the deep divide between the ruling Islamists and their secular rivals who accuse them of betraying the ideals of the revolution.
State TV said more than 200 were wounded in Saturday's unrest.
Saturday's verdict sentencing 21 people to death for their part in last year's Port Said soccer stadium disaster - which left 74 dead, many Al Ahly fans - was greeted with jubilation here.
Family members of the victims also celebrated - many had wept in court as the verdict was read out.
In Tahrir Square, where thousands congregated yesterday for the second anniversary of the revolution, many agreed with the verdict - but wanted authorities to also be held accountable.
This man says a fact finding commission should be established to discover who was actually behind the attack.
Both the verdict and yesterday's anniversary have been marred by violence.
At least 22 died in a wild rampage in Port Said on Saturday by locals angry that men from their city had been blamed for the disaster.
Meanwhile, troops were also deployed in Suez after nine people were shot dead on Friday following anti-government protests.
In Egypt's second city, Alexandria, also the scene of angry skirmishes yesterday, calm prevailed on the streets on Saturday.
Arsonists here torched at least two state-owned buildings and an office used by the Muslim Brotherhood's political party.
The violence and protests have laid bare the deep divide between the ruling Islamists and their secular rivals who accuse them of betraying the ideals of the revolution.
State TV said more than 200 were wounded in Saturday's unrest.