Aswan riots (Photo by: Al-Ahram)
A Cairo juvenile court on Sunday postponed its verdict in the case of seven members of Ultras Ahlawy – hardcore fans of Egypt’s Ahly football club – until 27 November.
The seven young men stand accused of rioting, damaging private and public property, attacking policemen and burning vehicles during and after Ahly’s 4-0 win over Kima Aswan in round 32 of Egypt Cup playoffs earlier this month. By the end of the melee, which featured violent clashes between Ultras and police, 135 had been injured from both sides.
The defendants’ lawyers say their clients were unlawfully arrested after police violently cleared the stands. They have reportedly asked to hear testimony from both the match’s fourth referee and the Cairo Stadium president.
The verdict in another case featuring seven adult Ultras Ahlawy who face similar charges is scheduled to be delivered on 30 November.
The seven young Ultras, for their part, deny the charges, saying they had only shouted insults against former interior minister Habib El-Adly and ousted president Hosni Mubarak. Both former officials currently face charges of ordering the killing of unarmed protesters during Egypt’s January revolution.
Die-hard fans associated with Egypt’s two most popular football clubs – Ahly and Zamalek – have become increasingly involved in local politics since the 18-day popular uprising that led to Mubarak’s ouster.
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