Trial of 51 defendants in Egyptian jailbreak attempt delayed to May 24

Port Said Criminal Court on Sunday adjourned to May 24 the trial of 51 defendants in the riots that took place in the governorate in 2013 following the issuance of a death sentence against a number of defendants in Port Said stadium massacre which claimed the lives of 74 of Al Ahly Club fans.

The trial was adjourned to hear the testimonies in the Port Said jailbreak attempt.

In January 2013, a court sentenced 21 Masry fans to death while delaying the sentences against 52 others for legal reasons. Ahly fans welcomed the sentences but were angered that no police officers were convicted. More than 40 people were killed in protests after the verdict in Port Said.

In March 2013, an appeal court upheld the 21 death sentences, sentenced five people to life in jail and ordered jail sentences to the others, including 15 years for two police officers. Another 28 people were acquitted, including seven policemen.

Investigations revealed that the defendants attacked the victims immediately after the match using knives and stones, threw some of them from the stands, and packed them into a small exit path while firing fireworks at them with deadly intent.

They were also accused of stealing and vandalizing private and public property.