Hundreds of Ultras Ahlawy staged a mass rally inside Cairo University on Monday to demand justice for the martyrs of the Port Said stadium massacre, ahead of a second ruling in case expected on 9 March.
Protesters held banners and chanted for retaliation against the police officers on trial for the deaths of at least 72 football fans in the incident.
The protest kicked off from the central library and then headed across the campus, as protesters chanted and sang songs against the military council and the Interior Ministry. They also held photos of the victims.
Security was heightened around the university gates, anticipating potential clashes.
The Ultras Ahlawy issued a statement warning against the consequences if the police officers are not found guilty.
“We will not waive the rights of anyone who killed, planned or betrayed. This case would be the first for police officers to be given sentences and a beginning for the purge of the Interior Ministry," the statement said.
Seventy-two Ahly team fans were killed and hundreds were injured on 1 February 2012 when Port Said’s Masry supporters stormed the pitch after a rare victory over Ahly. On 26 January 2013, the Port Said Criminal Court referred 21 defendants in the case to the mufti to potentially be sentenced to death, sparking violent protests in Port Said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
