Brussels, 28/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 November, the EU raised its concerns about the previous day's sentencing, by the Egyptian juvenile court, to two to five years in prison for 78 adolescents who had taken part in a demonstration supporting Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi.
“The EU reiterates its call on the Egyptian judicial authorities to ensure, in line with international standards, the defendants' rights to a fair and timely trial based on clear charges and proper and independent investigations, and to respect due process”, said Catherine Ray, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. She reiterated the EU's concerns about the protest law, “which continues to be seen as limiting freedom of expression and assembly”.
The young people, aged 13-17 and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, were sentenced on appeal for belonging to a terrorist organisation because they had taken part in demonstrations over the previous three months for Morsi's return.
Over 15,000 Morsi supporters have been imprisoned since he was deposed on 3 July 2013 (see EUROPE 10881) and the Muslim Brotherhood has been designated a terrorist organisation. (CG)