Egypt's Darul Iftaa denies rejecting handing over Port Said case documents

Egypt's Darul Iftaa denied on Thursday reports saying it rejects to hand over documents of Port Said case. "We cannot reject delivering the documents of the case, but the newly-appointed Mufti Shawki Abdel Karim needs time to consider the case files," said spokesman for Darul Iftaa Ibrahim Negm. He added that the court has an option either to receive the case's documents without the mufti's judgment or to give him a chance to give the religious opinion in the case. At least 72 people were killed and many injured in riots following a football game between Al-Masry club and Al-Ahly in Port Said on February 1, 2012. On January 26, Port Said Criminal Court sentenced to death 21 defendants in Port Said stadium massacre case. The court said the sentences will be final once the Mufti of the Republic gives his opinion in this regard. According to the Egyptian judiciary rules, the mufti should be consulted before implementing a death sentence against any defendant.