EGYPT SENTENCES 37 STUDENTS FOR PROTESTS
Ten of the students sentenced to three years in jail and LE50,000 fines, while 27 others sentenced to one year jailed, which they were tried in absentia, Ahram Online’s correspondent reported as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).
The Egypt daily added the students faced other charges, including blocking the road and attacking police officers.
Since General Abdul Fatah al-Sisi who served as Minister of Defence announced ousting of Egypt’s first freely elected president Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013, his supporters staging routine protest refusing the coup and demanding the release of the president.
Since then, the activists, including members of the Muslim Brotherhood formed the anti coup Alliance to support legitimacy and stressed out it would continue to protest until Morsi’s reinstatement.
Al-Sisi resigned as Minister of Defense to participate as candidate in the next presidential election scheduled to take place in the coming months.
Interim President Adly Mansour on Tuesday issued a decree allowing universities to expel students engaging in acts of sabotage that endanger the educational and exam process, or target university facilities.
The decree also specified penalties for those who attack people or property on campuses, or incite or participate in violence.
Since the academic year started in September, students have been at the forefront of defiance against the authorities. The killing and detention of students by the security forces has fueled the demonstrations.
Amid growing tension, the cabinet decided in November to allow police on campuses without the prior authorisation of the university or the prosecution.
(T/P03/P04/E01)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
