Egyptian ferry verdict: the rich and the powerful need not fear the law...

There have been angry scenes at a court in Egypt after a ferry-owner was cleared of all charges over a 2006 sinking in which more than 1,000 died.

Relatives of the victims scuffled with security forces while others denounced the judges and defendants.

The ferry's owner, a rich businessman close to Egypt's political elite, and four others were acquitted.

A captain of another ship was found guilty of failing to help the stricken ferry and was jailed for six months.

"We are stunned. There can't be a ruling like this," said Asaad Heikal, a lawyer for several victims' families.

"We will not give up and will appeal the ruling," he told reporters outside the Cairo courthouse on Sunday. More...

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