Armed Forces Spokesperson Ahmed Mohamed Ali has denied reports that the Armed Forces used live ammunition against protesters in Port Said during violent riots Saturday that saw at least 30 people killed.
“The Armed Forces confirms that such information are false,” Ali posted on Facebook. “The Armed Forces haven’t used live ammunition against protesters, and none of the victims were killed by [them]."
“The Armed Forces in Port Said are charged with controlling and securing national strategic establishments,” he added.
Ali also chastised the media for not relying solely on him for information related to the Armed Forces, saying that "false information" would "smear the image of the [Armed] Forces and negatively affect personnel" performing their national duties.
The Armed Forces moved into Port Said to secure several institutions after violent clashes raged throughout the city between protesters and security forces, after a court sentenced 21 defendants in the Port Said football violence case to death.
The defendants were accused of attacking and murdering Ahly Club fans after a match between the club and the local Port Said club Al-Masry. Masry fans and other attackers stormed the side of the stadium where Ahly fans were sitting, killing 72. Fans of both teams blame police for not intervening during the violence.
Meanwhile, the Al-Masry Green Eagles ultras called on Port Said residents to rally in front of the Mariam Mosque after noon prayers to mourn the victims of Saturday's violence.
In a statement on Facebook, the group also warned of another "revolution" in Port Said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
