Egyptian Attorney-General Abdel Mageed Mahmoud on Saturday ordered the release of 14 Tunisian Esperance fans accused of assault on security officers last Sunday following the Esperance loss to Ahly in Cairo. The fans will be deported back to Tunisia where they will face authorities.
The decision aims to maintain conciliatory relations between the countries, according to an Egyptian legal source.
The assaults came after security tried to prevent fans from lighting fireworks on the field and tearing out grandstand seats. Seven police officers, including Brigadier General Adel al-Tunsi, were injured in the clashes. Al-Tunsi remains hospitalized and was unavailable for questioning. Brigadier General Ali Mahmoud Fuad, Colonel Mohamed Mostafa, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Aata, Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Yusuf, Major Ahmed Hiba, and Captain Mostafa Farouk, were also injured.
The East Cairo Accidents Prosecution immediately began interrogations of 11 Tunisians implicated in the crimes. Two days after the incident, the prosecution office apprehended 3 others before they fled to Tunisia.
Preliminary police investigations said the accused were under the influence of alcohol at the time. Damages are thought to exceed an estimated LE250,000.
Translated from Arabic Edition.
