EGYPT: MILITARY COURT UPHOLDS DEATH SENTENCES ON 7 MILITANTS

Cairo, 6 Jumadil Akhir 1436/26 March 2015 (MINA) – An Egyptian military court on Tuesday upheld death sentences against seven individuals convicted of belonging to the Sinai- based militant group Ansar Bayt Al-Maqdis.

The defendants have been sentenced for charges of bombing a military checkpoint north of Cairo last year, a defence lawyer has said.

The verdict is the first ruling of its kind by a military court since the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in July 2013, told Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Tuesday’s court verdict is final. It’s not subject to appeal,” said lawyer Ahmed Helmi, adding that the Egyptian authorities will be responsible for the execution of the convicts.

Earlier this month, the Egyptian authorities executed Mahmoud Ramadan, a Morsi supporter, on charges of killing two youths of a rooftop in Alexandria’s Sidi Gaber district. Ramadan’s verdict was the first of its kind issued by a civil court since Morsi’s ouster.

Helmi told Anadolu news agency that the High Military Court upheld an October court ruling condemning seven people to death; including one tried in absentia for instigating violence and belonging to Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis militant group. The court also upheld a sentence of life imprisonment against two other defendants.

The defendants were convicted of planning terrorist operations, receiving militant training, and attacking navy ships and military installations. The defendants and their defence team deny all charges against them. (T/P002/R03).

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)