Egyptian court demanding death sentence for 11 fans accused of causing Port Said stadium disaster that killed more than 70 people
Permission has been asked, the decision is not yet final
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A court in Egypt has has asked permission to impose the death sentence on 11 football fans accused of murder in the Port Said stadium disaster.
The 11 Al-Masry fans were prosecuted in a televised session on Sunday, with the court asking Egpyt's Grand Mufti - the highest official of religious law who has non-binding referral powers - permission to impose the death sentece.
The sentence could be imposed at a later court hearing on 30 May. The final legal step for both the prosecution and defendants would be a challenge before the Cassation Court.
The disaster on 1 February, 2012, occurred during the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak and ended in at least 72 people being killed and more than 1,00 injured.
In January 2013, 21 men were sentenced to death but the verdict was overturned and a retrial ordered. Several officials and police staff have also been prosecuted but so far none have been handed the death sentence.
Additional reporting from Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.