A media ban was imposed Saturday by Judge Abdel-Aziz Shahin on covering ongoing investigations into violence that took place in January in Egypt’s city of Port Said.

The decision was taken to ensure the integrity of the investigations, according to Shahin who is commissioned by the justice ministry to head the investigations.

On 26 January, Port Said Criminal Court sentenced 21 of 73 defendants to death for their involvement in football-related violence that saw killed more than 70 Ahly fans in February 2012.

The verdict sparked violence outside Port Said prison that left over 40 dead in the canal city.

Later, on 9 March, the court confirmed the 21 death sentences while 28 others were acquitted and five sentenced to life in prison.