Brussels, 04/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 3 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said serious concerns were raised by the decision of a court in Gizeh (Egypt) to issue preliminary death sentences to as many as 188 defendants for a violent attack on a police station in August 2013, which left at least 13 people dead. Mohgerini stated the EU will follow these cases “very closely”.
The spokesperson reiterated the EU's call to 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, as well as the right of access and contact to lawyers and family members, and to respect due process”.
The EU is opposed to the use of capital punishment and its abolition is essential for protecting human dignity, Mogherini stated. (CG)