More than a decade after Egyptian poet and activist Shaimaa Al-Sabbagh was shot dead by police, Egyptian authorities have paid compensation to her family.

Al-Sabbagh was killed while laying a wreath in memory of demonstrators who died during Egypt's January 25 uprising. She was shot in the back as she placed flowers at a memorial in Tahrir Square for hundreds of people killed during the protests.

The type of pellet used in the shooting was reportedly among those frequently used by police at the time to disperse protesters.

Following her death, Al-Sabbagh's family became involved in a lengthy legal battle with Egypt's Interior Ministry over compensation.

Her lawyer says the family received about 300,000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to less than 6,000 US dollars, last week.